What is Podcasting?

Podcasting is audio content which I can get from the internet and use on my mp3 player anytime or anywhere. Todd Cochoran likes to refer to it as “Walkaway Content” because you can walk away with fresh content loaded on your mp3 player every day.
Some amazing characteristics of Podcasting include:

• Automatic downloads from the internet via an aggregator, which is software such as itunes.
• Topics that cover anything from software and hardware to cooking and golf tips.
• Authentic content recorded in a relaxed, informal dialogue that is easy to understand and listen to while I am hiking, biking or traveling to work.

Anyone can create a Podcast, students, teachers or anyone from their home. Browse to see the Wikipedia definition as well as history on podcasting.

Podagogy

Things to consider when thinking about Pedagogy or Podagogy:

• How your students learn, how to motivate student learning and make it authentic (providing connections)
• Audience is a key component in podcasting.
• Allow students to be a podcaster and a podcatcher.
• Podcasts are not just for outside listening, use them as story starters, content enhancements and much more.
• Sometimes you will be the facilitator of learning, let your students be creative!

Tips & Tricks!

Steps for creating your first Podcast

(University of Wisconsin-Madison, 2005)
Designing Podcasts that Teach
(Your students and possibly parents are your audience!)

• Select appropriate content
  Keep in mind that you audience is probably multi-tasking, they might be driving home, doing housework, yard work, floating the river or taking a hike in our beautiful mountains.
• Keep the content light with limited statistical or note prompting content. If you reference websites then include them on your associated webpage with the links listed.
  Keep the Podcast focused and limited in length. The intent is to address specific content in your episode to keep the interest of your audience.
• Determine your instructional goal
  Use motivational content to keep the interest of your intended audience.
  Make connections with previous knowledge so that your audience has the schema needed to understand what you are trying to tell them. Make sure that you have a clear instructional goal for your Podcasts.
• Design your content
  It is recommended that you keep your episode to 3-15 minutes.
  Use design strategies that have been used in radio broadcasts. Listen to some good Podcasts and identify what you like and dislike about their design before you create one of your own.
• Produce your Podcast
  Do not lecture or read a script. Use an informal dialogue. It is OK to use an outline to stay focused but do not read directly from a script. Show the enthusiasm and passion that you have for your topic during the Podcast. The Podcast should be like dialogue that might take place between a student and teacher.
• Incorporate the Podcast into your course
  Make sure that it is required for all to listen to and create a relevant activity that is based on the Podcast.

Important Things to Consider

7 things you should know about... Podcasting

(EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative)

1. What is it?
2. Who is doing it?
3. How does it work?
4. Why is it significant?
5. What are the downsides of podcasting?
6. Where is it going?
7. What are the implications for teaching and learning?