What is a Podcast?

A podcast is a web feed of audio or video files that can be directly downloaded or subscribed to for automatic delivery of new content. Podcasting is a method of distributing audio and/or video recordings such as course lectures, radio programs or videos over the Internet for playback on mobile devices and personal computers.

Why use Podcasts?

Podcasts are becoming a popular way to make recorded presentations available to students to review course materials. Students can download recorded material on mobile devices like an iPod or mp3 player and may listen to them in their free time. This is especially useful to ESL students who can replay the review material from their course. Listen to these testimonials from students in an Anatomy and Physiology I course taught by Prof. Judith Fitzpatrick or Prof. Richard Kuiters from the Criminal Justice department on using podcasts in his course.

What are some of the legal issues for recording a guest speaker?

In case you record your students or guest speaker in a classroom you must get a Podcasting Release Form signed from them. If you record verbatim from your textbook, get permission from the publisher. Use material you have copyright or explicit permission to use in class.

How can I get started with creating Podcasts?

If you have an idea to begin a podcast or videocast, read the article “How to Start a Podcast, According To The Pros At NPR.” Then check out step by step guide from Spotify for Podcaster. For a follow up discussion, contact [email protected].