Flexibility and options in instruction: OID offers help with podcasting

iPods are everywhere these days and they've changed the music industry in a number of ways. A podcast is essentially a recorded broadcast distributed through the web to subscribers. You don't need an iPod to create one. All you need to create your own is a microphone, some software, and the gift of gab. There is plenty potential use for podcasts in education and distance learning as well: lectures or commentaries for a class could be distributed via podcast.

OID has developed an FAQ and a detailed, illustrated article to help take you into the world of podcasting. Designed for an audience who has heard about podcasting but aren't quite sure what it is, these should help bridge that knowledge gap. The article explains what podcasting is, how it differs from other media, how to find and subscribe to podcasts, and takes a look at the Next Big Thing, "vodcasting." Apple announced a video support version of the iPod on October 12.

The forthcoming second part will explain how to create podcasts and discuss implications for higher education. If you can't wait: CNet has a tutorial on building your own.