Emergent Technology:Podcasting

Podcasting, as defined by Wikipedia, is a series of digital media files, audio or video, which are released episodically and downloaded through web syndication. An easier definition may be that podcasting is a media file that is distributed over the internet and allows followers to play the file back on an mp3 player or computer.


In the educational field, podcasting can be used in many useful, relevant, and effective ways. Podcasting can allow administration to get school news to all staff and students on a regular basis or get updates out in case of special circumstances. Listeners are notified of new programs by their podcast creator, which then download the programs and then transfer them to the listener's MP3 audio player, such as an iPod.  It gives teachers the ability to stay up to date on teaching strategies or allows professors to broadcast entire classes for those who may not be able to attend an in class setting. Podcasting gives students a sense of relevance that may help open their minds to new information. Giving students the ability to learn with new technology and to use multiple senses while leaning (visual and audible) in my opinion could greatly improve all educational settings.

I was very impressed when I began to read into podcasting. I felt that this kind of technology could really help students and teachers, especially in a college setting. The ability to broadcast an entire class not only helps with students who can not make it to class but also allows for the possibility of rewatching a class to help with note taking or to make sure nothing was missed. Also giving students the ability to watch or listen whenever or wherever they may be. The next thing I needed to find out was how user friendly using and creating podcasts could be. I feel like finding and listening to podcasts is very easy. I found and listened to many different types of podcasts while doing my power point project. There were so many to choose from and most seemed relevant and useful so finding them was a breeze. Subscribing and listening to them was even easier. Most of them had “subscribe to podcast” options and would prompt you to iTunes to download the broadcast.

I used a site called http://www.how-to-podcast-tutorial.com/17-audacity-tutorial.htm.This to help me learn more about creating editing and exporting podcasts. This site was very useful due to the fact that it has tutorial videos that you can follow very easily. I feel that I learn and catch on to things better when I can see them happening instead of just reading them.

Audacity tutorial:recording set up
Audacity tutorial:editing 2
Audacity tutorial:editing
Audacity tutorial:importing audio/adding music
Audacity tutorial:saving/exporting

This site also had great information on planning your podcast, all equipment needed to start your podcast, ID3 tags, hosting you podcast, and posting show notes. Although I did not create my own podcast I feel that after going through this site I could start and promote a podcast in the future.

 YouTube:how to podcast