Introduction

This section is an introduction to podcasting where we will discuss what, exactly, a podcast is and how they can benefit your students. Furthermore, we will discuss some of the different types of podcasts such as the simple audio podcast vs. an enhanced podcast with photos/video and how these might benefit your students.

What is Podcasting?

Podcasting is, at its simplest form, the distribution of audio or video files over the internet. The term ‘podcast’ is actually an amalgam of the words ‘broadcast’ and the incredibly popular ‘iPod’ personal audio device. Podcasting was not something that was created by Apple, but actually was born on the internet as a way to deliver high quality audio/video content. One reason podcasting has become so popular is because it allows users to control when, where, and even how they view or listen to this material. Another is that it is incredibly simple for just about anyone with a computer, a few pieces of software, basic recording equipment and an internet connection to create their very own podcast.

Similarly, you can make available the content of your courses as podcasts (or coursecasts). This allows your students to take your lectures and other course material with them throughout the day for portable listening, or download it to their computer for later review.

Podcasting at Virginia Tech

At www.podcasts.vt.edu, a number of university podcasts are already available. These include the Distinguished Professor Series, Virginia Tech News, student events, a weekly technology review and even Financial Aid information. These are all part of Virginia Tech’s Invent the Future Campaign.

Applications in Distance Learning

You may be asking yourself why anyone would want to podcast their lectures or other course content. The answer many have come up with is to make it easier for students to obtain and review your course materials. This can be especially useful for students speaking English as a second language or students with less background in a particular subject matter. Additionally, students can set the pace of the course for themselves, allowing those who wish to move more slowly to do so, and also allowing you to provide direction for students who wish to dig deeper.