Podcasts & Vodcasts: Educational Applications

1. Podcasts & Vodcasts:Educational Applications by Elaine S. Bontempi, 2006 College of Arts & Sciences Online Education Program University of Oklahoma

2. What is Podcasting? The term “podcasting” is a combination of two words: iPod and broadcasting. It refers to the automatic downloading of MP3 audio files to a computer or MP3 player in a data structure called RSS 2.0 envelope (or “feed”). RSS stands for Real Simple Syndication, and is an agreed specification of XML tags used to define objects which can be subscribed to through a “RSS news reader.”

3. MP3 Players The term “Podcast” is somewhat misleading because it implies that an iPod is required to podcast. Actually, podcasts can be used with a variety of digital audio formats and played on almost any MP3 player or portable digital audio device, as well as desktop or laptop computers.

4. Podcasts vs. Vodcasts VODcasting (also known as “vlogging”) is the same thing as Podcasting except that it uses video content rather than audio, and the content is played on a laptop or a newer iPod with video capabilities.

5. Pros & Cons of Podcasts PROS: Appeals to Generation X & Y Uses Voice Communication Activates Additional Learning Modes Offers Time-Shift Information Increases Learner Control CONS: Copyright Issues (Podcasts -vs- CMS) Potential for Inappropriate Use of Technology

6. Potential Educational Applications • Podcasts have a variety of potential applications in online or hybrid classes including: • Facilitating Language Instruction • Elaborating Instruction • Facilitating Discussion • Presenting Projects • Facilitating Analysis • Encouraging Critical thinking, speaking, and writing skills

7. Sample Educational Uses: Language & Writing Instruction The following link provides a good example of how podcasts can be used in teaching language or writing skills. Language Instruction (German) Writing Instruction (Narrative Closure)

8. Sample Lectures The following links provide excellent examples of the use of Podcasts and Vodcasts for supplementing instruction. Purdue University Podcasts Imperial University-Vodcasts

9. Sample Educational Uses: Promote Analysis The following links provide good examples of how podcasts can be used to promote analysis in online learning. Analysis Promotion: History/storytelling Analysis Promotion: Folktales

10. Sample Educational Uses: Student Created Podcasts The following links provide good examples of how podcasts can be used for student assignments. Create Podcast: Poetry Reading Student Assignment: Create Podcast (Audio Diary) Student Assignment: Audio-Journal

11. Creating Podcasts: Tutorials There are a variety of ways to create podcasts. The following links provide helpful tutorials on creating podcasts using both PC and Mac computers. Creating a Podcast Step by Step Tutorial Creating a Podcast using a Mac Recording your Podcast: Mac Automate Podcasting How to: Podcasting Feedburner

12. Want to learn more? Below you will find links to informative articles on podcasting. Podcasting in Education Podcasting in Education: Apple Video Series A Pocket full of Learning The Promise of Podcasting Podcasting and Vodcasting (University of Missouri)

13. Additional Resources If you would like to learn more about using podcasts for language instruction, visit the following links. i-Pod Personalizes Language Learning i-Pod helpful in teaching culture & language skills