What is a podcast and How can I use one? by Yaro Starak
Yaro Starak is an internet writer specializing in the use of technology in the 21st century. His article "What is a Podcast and How can I use One?" is an introductory primer on getting started. He begins the article talking about what a Podcast is and how it is made. The article looks at the history of the podcast and it's continuing impact on communication. It also gives possible uses and suggestions for getting started in podcasting on your own. While this is a good article for those who don't know anything about podcasting, I feel it could be stronger in the areas of examples and suggestions. I would recommend this article for those who need to know what a podcast is and how to get started using them.
The article begins with a definition and history of podcast. I thought it was very interesting that the word podcast comes from IPod. However, it was good to let readers know that they can listen to a podcast in formats other than Ipods. "However you don’t have to listen to podcasts only on iPods;... It really doesn’t matter, as long as you have some way to play music on your computer you will be able to listen to podcasts."
The next section is a description of how to use a podcast. I currently subscribe to several podcasts about subjects that that interest me. The use of the subscribe denotes constantly changing content. It is an interesting idea that you can use a podcast like a magazine. The podcasts that I listen to usually update about every month or 6 weeks. I am certain that they can also update weekly or even daily. It is also a positive that you can save the podcast and listen to it at your leisure, rather than having to interact with it at the time it is posted.
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The next two sections talk about the impact of Podcasts on the society. The wide reaching nature of the Internet, coupled with the ability to listen when and where you choose, have made Podcasts the new form of information dissemination. "Podcasts and blogs are leading a new content distribution revolution on the web that you are going to hear a lot about in the future...Podcasts are considered to be part of the beginnings of a timeshifting revolution" according to the author. I see many uses for this in education as well. Students who are homebound, traveling or have work/sports conflicts will be able to take classes they may have missed in the past. Students could also avail themselves much more to college classes, as they can partake in lectures that they might not be able to attend for a variety of reasons.The author gives a quick overview of some of the software he uses in his podcasts, as well as links to the needed software. This is important for the beginner, as there are many different ways to record and publish a podcast. Finally, the author takes a peek into the future of podcasts. "Podcasting is the start of a new media content revolution that is empowering individuals with the ability to globally distribute their ideas and create a following of like minded fans." The next steps will include videocasting or independent creations. The rise in popularity of UTube and Google Video are a testament to the rise in popularity of these forms of communication. It is just a matter of time until the educational community catches up. Our students may be the next Internet stars.
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I would use podcasting for creation of instructions for teachers and students to tasks I want them to complete. I would also create a podcast for those students who missed a session in the lab. I work outside of school and can see creating a podcast of announcements or important information that I want stored for all those with whom I work. I could create podcast messages for my children who are scattered around the country at this time, or create messages that can be sent to my parents and relatives who do not live nearby keeping them updated with kids and their events. I also see podcasting as a great tool for Professional development for staff. Podcasts could be created for teachers on a variety of subjects they need and left for them to access as necessary. The uses are nearly as endless as the topics available.Kim
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