DMP

What is a Podcast?

A Downloadable Series of Media Content Files + Subscription

A podcast is a series of online audio or video files that can be downloaded using special software, like iTunes. The software “subscribes” to a podcast, using a feed (often RSS or Atom), allowing it to automatically check for, and download new episodes. The episode files can be played either on your computer, or can be transferred to a portable device (like an iPod) depending on the file format.

Podcasting has been the buzz word since 2005, when it was pronounced the word of the year.  It is especially popular for the digital native generation, who are now the majority population of higher ed students.  Schools and instructors who want to engage their students, most likely have been, or at least have considered, using podcasting in their courses.

Quick Facts

• Podcasts are different from streaming, or webcasting, as the entire media file is downloaded to the user’s computer before it can be played.
• Content can be played on the user’s computer, or transferred to a portable device, like an iPod. iPods, specifically, are not required for users to access podcasts. The ability to put a podcast on a portable device depends on what type of media files are used and what the portable device can play.

What does it mean to ‘subscribe’ to a podcast?

Think of a ‘podcast’ as you would a television show. Each podcast has multiple ‘episodes’ that are posted on a regular basis. When you ‘subscribe’ to a podcast, you are telling your software (called a podcast aggregator) to check for new episodes regularly – and to download them to your computer and/or mobile device.

Types of Content

• Audio: The ‘original’ podcast format, it is still the most common format. Currently, mp3 is the best option for audio content, since it can be played on many portable players as well as on computer software.
• Video content is more challenging and can vary between players. For example, iPods cannot play Windows Media files.
• Documents: Currently, iTunes will allow the use of PDFs and EPUB ebooks in a podcast. Some mobile devices, however, may not be able to open these types of files.

Some Uses for Podcasts

• Class Content: make audio or video of course-related content, lectures, guest speakers
• Weekly “shows”: discuss a topic, play some music, show a video
• Training: offer visual tutorials, featuring screencasts (recording your computer screen to demonstrate special software or techniques)
  
• Orientation: audio walking ‘tour’of the library, of the campus, etc.

* Please keep in mind that copyright laws apply to any content that you choose to put in your podcasts, including background music, video footage, etc.