PODCASTING

A Podcasting is the latest in internet technology. It is a series of audio or video digital-mediaportable media players files which is distributed over the Internet by syndicated download, through Web feeds, to and personal computers. Though the same content may also be made available by direct download or streaming, a podcast is distinguished from other digital-media formats by its ability to be syndicated, subscribed to, and downloaded automatically when new content is added.

Podcasting is a method of publishing audio files (usually MP3s) to the Web, which are then made available through subscription and automatically downloaded to a personal computer or portable MP3 player. It is similar to a radio broadcast but the files are available for downloading from a website and you can have them delivered to your computer via an RSS feed.

Education is made portable through podcasting and there is great potential for the use of podcasting within education.

They are useful for useful for

• recording short explanations

• clarification of a concept

• suggestions / tips about the course and content

• instructor experiences / reflections about the content

• interviewing an expert

• student presentations / reflections / record of events

• improving students' communication skills (vocabulary, writing, speaking, presentation)

• peer review for students

• oral histories

• oral guides for museums, art galleries, historical tou

Some advantages are:

• Users have full control over what they listen to and where and when they listen.

• Audio files can be downloaded onto an MP3 player which students can take away and listen to in their own time.

• Podcasting provides the educator with another way of meeting students' needs.

• Family members can access podcasts at home and keep up to date with what is going on the classroom.

• Available anytime/anywhere for students

Disadvantages:

• Computers need sufficient bandwidth for downloading the MP3 audio files.

• Podcasting is not designed for two-way interaction or audience participation.

• Amateur podcasts do not have the same quality as professional broadcasts.

• Some initial training is needed.

• Entire file is downloaded to students' computer/device

Some educators are integrating podcasting successfully into their classes. Podcasting enables educators to use music and recorded audio to enhance learning. The addition of photos and video to podcasting allows educators to add a wide range of visual content to their teaching and address even more learning styles. Educators across the nation are using podcasting in their classrooms for language arts, language acquisition, and social studies. Some school administrators are looking at podcasting as a great way to communicate with students, teachers, parents and their community.