What is Podcasting?

Podcasting allows individuals to broadcast audio, video, and other multimedia files on the internet through subscription enabled programs such as blogs or iTunes.  Podcasts become more than just an audio file once they become avialble for subscription. Podcastin became populuar due to the cultural shift brought about by personal MP3 players that allow audio files to be downloaded and taken with you. View a presentation by Mike Ho and Jennifer Strickland on blogging and podcasting to better define both.

Why Podcast?

There are many reasons people podcast.  One is to build and strengthen your listening audience.  Many political figures, stars, entertainers, etc. podcast to build loyalty, connect with their audience outside their normal communication paths and connect with younger audiences who might not otherwise listen to the podcaster.    In education podcasting can be used for a number of reasons.  Allowing students to learn about campus acitivities or opportunities, learn more about faculty, staff, students, and/or student life on campus.  Or allow students to revisit or re-experience course content.  It might also help promote courses or programs on campus.  For example, if an instructor uploads an audio podcast of a difficulty lecture students can download it and play it over and over again to listen and experience the content again for further review.

Here are Kirk's Eight Rules to Effective Podcasting - A Must Read if you are interested in Podcasting.

http://www.mcelhearn.com/article.php?story=20050630164539429

Can I get images, video or documents in a podcast?

Yes you can!  Your podcasts can become photocasts if you want to include images - they can become vodcasts if you incorporate video.  You can even include PDF documents to your podcasts if you want to give students handouts with your casts. 

For examples of a photo cast visit our own PV instance on iTunes U and go to "Student Life"

For examples of a vodcast visit our own PV instance on iTunes U and go to "Biology 101 or Biology 102" and view any of Jane Marks vodcasts

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