Examples of Podcasting

Educational uses of podcasting are still evolving. In addition to new tools that make it easier to create podcasts, distribution tools are evolving, making discovery and subscription more convenient. The examples below explore different approaches to the creation and distribution of podcast content, as well as the collection of metadata. These examples represent a snapshot of the possibilities for educational podcasting.

Podcast as a Convenience: Lecture Content to Go

BoilerCast at Purdue University

Used with permission of Cyndy Edmonds.

Podcasting is often described as TiVo for audio because it permits timeshifting of audio content. Podcasting lectures lets students listen when it best suits them. For capturing large amounts of lecture content and quickly making it available, BoilerCast at Purdue University is an ideal tool.

Purdue University uses BoilerCast to capture and package lecture material into MP3 files. The BoilerCast software automatically streams audio files to the Web and makes them available as podcasts. Find out more about the project at <http://www.itap.purdue.edu/tlt/BoilerCast/>.

Podcast Distribution Channels: Getting the Word Out

Podcasts at the University of California, Berkeley

The distribution of podcasts changed when Apple’s iTunes store started aggregating podcasts. While iTunes U standardized and simplified distribution for many institutions, other institutions continued to experiment with different formats and distribution models. By piloting podcasts using their own distribution system, Berkeley is able to compare different formats and let students decide which system suits them best.

Berkeley distributes its recorded lectures, often in several formats, to the general public. Find out more about the project at <http://webcast.berkeley.edu/podcastabout.html>.

Podcasts as Radio Shows: Getting Creative

Radio Fireball at McMaster University

Used with permission of Innovative Technology Center,
University of Tennessee.

While lecture podcasts allow students to make sure they don’t miss lectures, educational radio shows distributed as podcasts are a great way to share discipline content, values, and perspectives in an engaging manner.

Radio Fireball is a series of podcasts featuring interviews, soundseeing tours, and music from the Faculty of Engineering at McMaster University. These podcasts, aimed at engineering students, explore engineering-related topics in the Hamilton, Ontario, area. The podcasts in this series are scripted and produced, giving them a different tone from that of recorded lectures. These podcasts have a broad appeal, extending to listeners in the surrounding community. Find out more about the project at <http://www.engpodcast.libsyn.com/>.

Video Podcasting: Adding Pictures and Moving Pictures

Video podcasts at the University of Southampton

Entertaining radio show–style podcasts can motivate students to regularly tune in to hear their favorite podcast personalities. Video podcasts—video files using an RSS distribution channel—provide content creators the opportunity to create rich, compelling material. Using images and moving pictures to create enhanced and video podcasts, educators share richer experiences.

The Electronics and Computer Science unit at the University of Southampton in the United Kingdom produces a regularly hosted video podcast series featuring electronics and computer science topics and including interviews with scientists and students at the university. Find out more about the project at <http://www.ecs.soton.ac.uk/about/podcasts.php>.

Tracking Podcast Listening Habits: Top of the Pops

Language learning at Middlebury College

Using metadata generated during the playback of MP3 files, instructors can begin to assess the usage of their podcasts. By analyzing which files were played most often and in what sequence, instructors now have the capability to continually tailor their offerings to meet student needs.

Podcasts have been used to teach languages at Middlebury College. The college converted its language audio files to MP3 files and presented them to students on iPods. Students used the audio files to become familiar with specific tones and sounds. By collecting and analyzing the metadata created in the iPods during student playback of lessons, instructors were able to determine which files received the most play. Middlebury staff describe the process at <https://segue.middlebury.edu/index.php?&action=site&site=codelab&section=11428>.

Finding a Fit for Podcasts: An Ecosystem of Learning Technologies

Organic chemistry lectures at Drexel University

Podcasts may be the hottest new educational tool right now, but they are not the only tool. Finding the appropriate place for podcasting amidst other teaching and learning tools can be challenging. An organic chemistry professor at Drexel University has used podcasting to develop a successful instructional technology mix.

Organic chemistry lectures are recorded and distributed as podcasts. These podcasts are just one of a variety of tools including blogs, wikis, screencasts, WebCT, and games. By recording lectures and reusing them from year to year, the instructor has found a way to alter the focus of the face-to-face class sessions. By covering lecture details in the podcasts, the instructor has been able to shift to interactive workshops during class time.

All of the resources can be found on the wiki at <http://drexel-coas-elearning.wikispaces.com/podcast>.

Podcasting Student Voices: Beyond Passive Learning

Student-created podcasts at Marist College

In addition to permitting timeshifting and mobile learning, podcasts are extremely easy to create. In the hands of inspired students, podcasts can be an ideal tool to construct and ultimately share knowledge about topics of study.

Marist College students studying abroad used iPods and podcasting to construct their own materials to learn about the local culture. By interviewing locals and sharing with their classmates, Marist students were able to shift from consuming podcasts to creating and sharing as they learned. Find out more about the project at <http://www.marist.edu/magazine/page14.html>.

Building Community with Podcasts: Using Audio to Share Expertise

Creating podcasts for all aspects of student life at NC State

Capturing and sharing the voices of a campus goes a long way toward building a connection with the local community. By bringing the tools and practice within reach of all campus members, podcasts have the potential to provide effective outreach.

At North Carolina State University, students and interest groups are making their diverse content available to listeners in the community through Wolfcasts. The NC State Information Technology division makes this creation and collection of podcasts possible by providing the infrastructure as well as support through how to’s and advice. The Wolfcast home page can be explored at <http://wolfcast.ncsu.edu/>.

Adapting to the Digital Generation: Giving Learners Control

Podcasts as part of a rich media repertoire at Georgia College and State University

Audio in the hands of students can provide unexpected and wonderful results. Students start with audio to create a soundtrack for their experiences. Including richer media like images and moving pictures can help them round out the telling of their stories.

Students at Georgia College and State University are extending their podcasts to fit into a digital lifestyle. Using audio as a starting point and incorporating images and moving pictures, students will be able to participate in the learning community on their own terms, using the media they grew up with. Details can be found at <http://ipod.gcsu.edu/Course-related/index.html>.

Share Your Own Podcasting Examples

If your institution is using podcasting and you would like to share your practice with ELI, please submit your practice for review. Go to the ELI Innovations Contribution Form on our Community Exchange page at <http://www.educause.edu/ELICommunityExchange/6797>.