What Is a Podcast? What Is a Podcast?
A podcast is audio or video content that can be downloaded from the computer. You can also subscribe to certain podcasts, and the latest editions will be automatically delivered to you on a regular basis. Once you have received a podcast over an Internet connection, you can listen to it through your computer or you can access it anytime, anyplace, using an MP3 player. The iPod is no longer necessary to access podcasts. Any MP3 player or computer with an Internet connection will work. Since podcasts are not live they can be paused, fast-forwarded, and rewound, unlike listening to regular radio broadcasts. A podcast usually focuses on one topic, and a new episode is released periodically.
Podcasts Can Be Many Things.
What is Podcasting?
The term comes from a combination of "iPod" and "broadcasting." This brings us to the difference between podcasting and other audio or video features on the Internet. It is the ease with which almost anyone with podcasting software can produce and deliver a podcast. Those who produce and deliver a podcast are called podcasters.
How Do You Access a Podcast?
The first thing you will need to do is be sure you have the correct podcasting software downloaded on your computer. When you have a subscription to a podcast, this software will check for new podcast files and automatically download them for you. There are several sites that offer this software for free, including iTunes by Apple.com. You can then begin searching for podcasts on the Internet. Once you have found a podcast you are interested in, you can choose to download it, listen to it later, listen to it right then, or subscribe to the podcast. When you choose to access the podcast, you will see many features to use such as pause, rewind, and fast-forward. You may also rate your podcasts, and organize them in different ways.
Practice Accessing a Podcast.
Now that you have downloaded your software, let's get some practice with podcasts. Visit the PBS Online NewsHour web site linked below and browse its list of available podcasts. On this site you will find more information on podcasting, subscribing to podcasts, and software. Choose a topic that interests you and practice subscribing and listening to a podcast. Use the pause, play, forward, and rewind features.
How Do You Create a Podcast?
Creating a podcast becomes a little more complicated than simply accessing one; however, it is not difficult if you have the tools and time to do so. Many of the learning management systems used for online courses have the ability to produce and deliver podcasts. Directions can be found in the learning management system.
For creating a podcast outside of a learning management system visit Make Your First Podcast for step-by-step directions.
Podcasting News: Make Your First Podcast