1. Podcasting in the classroom – What is podcasting?

Before embarking on a new voyage it is often worthwhile to understand our destination. In this case, the destination is podcasting. Most educators may have already heard of the term “podcast” but they might be confused by the terminology. A podcast does not require an expensive iPod nor is it something that only smartest of computer scientists can create. Quite simply:

"Podcasting is one of the most exciting and wonderfully disruptive technologies to emerge in recent history. Podcasting is exciting because any one can get involved, express themselves, exchange ideas, or pitch their products. Whatever interests people have, there is a place for them in podcasting....
Podcasting puts the power to communicate into the hands of the individuals. Thousands (at the time of the writing of this book)of people are already involved, each as unique as their podcast....
The price of admission is some basic equipment and a desire to communicate - that's all. Podcasters, with their first podcast can reach a more geographically diverse audience than a radio station with the most powerful AM/FM transmitter in the world....
The whole world really is listening. Access to such a huge potential audience was a privilege once reserved only for large corporations and governments, but podcasting has changed everything. The individual has been empowered and given a voice - this means you." (Else, 2008)

Think podcasting is a fad, think again! Potentially, the audience for podcasting is enormous. It is an inexpensive way to get your message out on the Internet.

Source: Else, Shaun. “Podcasting in Education”. Retrieved on Saturday, January 24, 2009 from http://chatt.hdsb.ca/~magps/boylit/Podcasting%20in%20Education