Learning with podcasts

Audio podcasts, using the MP3 format, and video vodcasts, using various video format, are incredible learning resources which can be subscribed to so that new episodes are automatically downloaded. You can find podcasts by using a program like iTunes, which has a huge catalog of podcasts, or by searching one of the many podcast directories or by using Google. MP3 audio files can be played on any modern computer, and by portable MP3 players. You are not limited to using Apple's iTunes or iPods. Podcasts allow listeners to choose when they want to listen to programs, and where, providing they have a portable MP3 player.

Language podcasts like JapanesePod101.com by Innovative Language Learning, or podcasts provided by Praxis Language and Radio Lingua are very popular offering a range of lessons from 1 minute to hour long episodes, supplementary written materials and vodcasts. There are a huge number of fitness and self improvement podcasts available: Fitmusic and DJSteveBoy provide popular music mix podcasts, Quick and Dirty Tips provide a number of personal development podcasts, including Grammar Girl. Science podcasts are also quite popular, Brains Matter is a science podcast that is produced locally. Companies use podcasts to promote research, events and foster organisation-wide communication (SLV).

Many commercial broadcasters are making their shows available on podcasts and vodcasts, allowing listeners to tune in when they are available, and not be limited to the broadcasting schedule. (ABC, BBC, SBS are just a few examples.

Universities like Swinburne University, schools, institutions and training providers are using podcasts of lectures, training sessions for students who miss classes or want extra revision. Teachers sometimes use podcasts to keep parents up to date, include them in music recitals, or students may use podcasts to complete various communicative tasks within a class. Of course, some of these podcasts are only accessible to those enrolled in the courses, maintaining commercial viability for the provider and privacy for those involved. A special section in iTunes called iTunesU provide greater flexibility for educators and students.

Many sites pull together related podcasts into podcast directories, but usually these sites, like the Education Podcast Network and Podcast alley are not filtered, resulting in many explicit podcasts being listed and advertised. When using sites such as these, you do need to be aware that not all podcasts contain appropriate content.

For those wishing to create their own podcasts, royalty free music for background ambience or mixing can be found at Podsafe Audio. There are a host of programs that can be used to record and publish podcasts, one of the most popular and free, open source programs is Audacity. Microphones and headsets are both quite commonly available at electronics stores. There are plenty of tutorials resulting from Google search.