What is a Podcast? An audio and/or video file that can be downloaded from the internet then played on a computer or MP3 player (like an iPod). Often podcasts are distinguished from other multimedia files by their ability to be “distributed by subscription (paid or unpaid) over the internet using syndication feeds.” 1

How do Podcasts Work? The individual creating the podcast (the podcaster) records the digital file The podcaster uploads the podcast to their feed internet site The consumer sets up their computer to subscribe to that feed The consumer’s computer downloads podcasts from the feed (usually done automatically in the background) The consumer can decide what to do with the podcasts (play, archive, delete, or transfer to their mobile device)

Why Should Teachers Use Podcasts? iPods and similar devices are used daily by our students. Why not tap into the medium that they prefer to use? Podcasts can be used to motivate, introduce, instruct, or review. When students create podcasts for other students to use, both benefit.

What can we do with podcasts? See Pedagogical Podcasting or Podagogy 2 Prepare or motivate learners for learning new content Recall and integrate previously learned material with new content Provide high-level overviews Provide a lead-in to an assignment or learning activity

What can we do with podcasts? continued Elaborate on and further explain a complex concept Provide learning guidance and strategies for understanding new content or solving problems Provide content to encourage analysis Provide some variety in the learning environment Student projects & assignments

Good Podagogy Five Steps to Designing Podcasts that Teach 2 1. Select appropriate content 2. Determine your instructional goal 3. Design your content 4. Produce your podcast 5. Incorporate the podcast into your course

1. Select Appropriate Content Keep it simple Avoid long lectures Narrow the focus

2. Determine your instructional goal Have a clear purpose (see the earlier slides on “What can we do with a podcast?”)

3. Design Your Content Be creative Mix it up – use monologues, interviews, expert voices, etc. Share stories Keep it short – 2 to 5 minutes is probably best

3. Design Your Content continued Design models:  Reynolds 3 : Context → Information → Review  Meredith 4 : Context → Content → Review → Connect

4. Produce Your Podcast Keep it personal and informal Be excited! Be yourself – small flaws are OK

5. Incorporate the Podcast into Your Course More students will download and listen to your podcast if you make it a requirement Keep in mind your students access abilities and differing learning styles

Resources 1. Podcast. (2006, December 18). In Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Retrieved December 18, 2006, from Pedagogical Podcasting or Podagogy (n.d.). Retrieved December 12, 2006, from University of Wisconsin - Madison, Podcasting Web site: Reynolds, R. (2005, July 7). Pedagogy for Podcasting (with sample). Xplanazine. Retrieved December 12, 2006, from dagogy_for_po.html dagogy_for_po.html 4. Meredith, R. (2005, November 14). Podagogy Gains Ground. Retrieved December 12, 2006, from