Podcasts
Podcasts are audio recordings made available on the internet, which can be played on computers or downloaded to hand-held devices such as MP3 players. Users can subscribe to podcasts using RSS feeds, so that any new broadcast in a series is automatically downloaded to their PC or device, with no need to search or 'tune in'. There are also many podcast directories on the web to help you find podcasts on a subject of interest. Given the similar principles to blogging, podcasts are sometimes thought of as 'audioblogs'. Video podcasts contain video clips, rather than just audio.
Bath University public lecture podcasts
How to do it?
Podcasts are created by recording an audio file and then making it available on the internet. This can be done in as simple or sophisticated a way as required, but does require basic recording equipment. There are various useful tutorials available online, such as How to Podcast, which includes tips on promoting your podcast, or this beginners' guide . Open source audio editing and recording software, such as Audacity, is available to assist with podcast creation.
Examples
Podcasts have been embraced by the education sector, since they offer a lively method of communicating with different audiences - whether for lectures, discussions, audio guides etc. While their use in teaching and learning is quite well-established, a number of universities are also developing podcasts aimed at audiences outside the campus, such as Warwick (to enhance research dissemination to the public), Bath (for public lectures) and Brunel University (for prospective students). As with blogs, there are many searchable podcast directories available, including Podcast.net and the Educational Podcast network.
Brunel University podcasts for prospective students
Benefits and Barriers of Podcasts
Potential benefits for users:
Audio is an intuitive and effective way of communicating ideas to others. The ability to listen to content rather than read it offers many benefits. Users with poor reading skills or visual impairment particularly benefit, however, there are also significant benefits for all users who want to absorb content while doing something else, such as driving. Users need not only be recipients - it can be very easy to create personal audio content and in some circumstances it may be a more successful way of recording knowledge and understanding than a blog or a traditional textual write-up.
Potential barriers for users:
Audio-only resources pose significant problems for deaf and hard of hearing users who are more likely to get benefit from resources provided in either a plain English summary or a visually appropriate alternative.
