Podcasting- Reconnecting Lecture and Learning

Vinod Kakumanu
Nov. 29, 2019, 5:13 p.m.

The new era is all about people inventing new tools to make their life simple and easy. The digitized system has made possible to access to have anything at the doorstep. Educationists are involved in executing new methods and applications for the feasibility in learning for students. Podcast, is a unique space for students where they can have access to recorded lectures anywhere and anytime. Basically, podcasting is an episodic series of audio or video files which can be downloaded from the internet in order to listen. This type of media file can be downloaded into computer, tablets or portable media player. The term ‘podcast’ is a portmanteau word, a combination of iPod and broadcast coined by Ben Hammersley in 2004.

Uses of Podcast in Education

There are several ways to use podcasts for educational purpose to make learning convenient for all.

It is a great alternative for teachers to deliver lessons and for students who need extended support.
teachers can deliver lectures and provide with additional learning materials. Students can download it any time that suits them the best.
A great way for students which lets them create their own podcast and share it with other students.
Useful for auditory learners
Students would be able to develop other important skills such as writing, problem solving, time management and effective speaking by creating a podcast.

How podcasts are created?

To create a podcast a microphone and an audio recording software is needed and practice speaking until you get confident enough in delivering the content. After recording the content, it is important to listen to your podcasts and redo the parts which are not clear. There are many platforms to publish the podcast and some of them are Podcast.net, OurMedia.org, Podcast Alley etc. Finally, promote it by using podcast link and ask the users to subscribe it.

The Advantages of podcasts

Flexible: There is a flexibility in timing which means users can have access to the content any time of the day by downloading it. There are some podcast apps available for every smartphone and the iPhones even comes with an app installed in it by default.
Grabs student attention: It is a psychological fact that students listen for longer time than watching or reading. For them sitting in a place patiently for 30 minutes which requires their full attention is next to possible as they are restless. On the other hand, podcasting allows them to listen to the recording whenever like travelling on the bus or driving the car
Student-Driven Learning: Here the students gets an opportunity for projects and presentations. They can also have discussions, ask questions with their peers which truly makes it more effective.
A great way to make up for missed classes: If a student has missed a lecture, there is no need to worry about because he can listen to it afterwards.

Podcast is a new game changer in education sector which increases the value of education by simplifying learning process. These platforms reflect the possibility of learning through all sorts of medium which is viable for everyone.