Podcasts

A podcast is a sequence of digital media files. They can either be audio (mp3) or video that can be downloaded through the web. It can be played through a computer or a portable media device, like an ipod. Podcasts are becoming more present in the education world. I had a professor that used podcasts frequently. He would upload his lectures (him speaking) online and then I would download it onto my computer. I would listen to him in the comfort of my home. It was very convenient because while listening to him talk I would be able to do other things like my laundry. Listening to the podcasts allowed me to multitask while learning. If I wanted to I could have downloaded the lecture (podcast) onto my ipod and listened to it while working out or walking to another class. A podcast can be a portable lecture. Podcasts are becoming more prominent because they give students more freedom and allow professors to do more meaningful activities inside of the classroom. Podcasts can cut down the time teachers spend on lecturing. As Apple would say, “Extend your classroom- and your curriculum- with podcasts. From lectures and slideshows to gallery tours and interview, podcasting engages students in ways the printed page can’t.” Podcasts are probably not a good way to present information to younger level students. They are probably better for upper grade students, like high school and college level. Something that needs to be considered before placing your lectures on the internet is  whether or not your students will have access to the internet outside of school? Soon we are no longer going to have to sit inside a classroom to become taught and educated.

Cick here to view the Apple link about Podcasts!