The podcast, also known as a non-streamed webcast, is a batch of digital audio and/or video files, which is released in successive episodes and can be downloaded. The files are hosted on the distributor’s server as a web feed and accessed by the audience through a podcatcher, which is a specialized software. This way, they can access the web feed and download the newest files, manually or automatically. All content becomes ready for offline use.
How can we use this in e-learning? Podcasts can actually add value to a course, as long as you focus on your objectives and pay attention to their making and distribution. Knowing your audience is the first thing you should have in mind, so find out characteristics such as: mobility (office based or on the road), preferences and technology awareness. You will need to base the entire podcast on these variables.
Another thing that you should consider is sound quality. Needless to say, nobody likes background noises or distractions. A poor recording will reduce the value of an interview. Get a good microphone and a pair of headphones, an mp3 recorder so that you can do interviews at any time, and an audio editing software. You can record a sample in the specific environment, just to see how it sounds, and make the necessary adjustments before starting the actual podcast.
There are some types of podcast that you can use. Using a monologue means there will be one speaker only, so it needs to be brief and interesting, based on a well-written script. Another type, more engaging and lengthy, borrows the format of a magazine show, which combines monologue with guests and conversation. Although it’s more time consuming and difficult to produce, it’s a very efficient type. You can also make an audio tutorial, as part of a larger learning package. The high density of information will make it difficult to pay attention to, so keep it short. And, as a general rule, try not to make an episode of a podcast longer than 5 minutes.
A more conversational type is the interview, but it also needs some preparation in advance. You have to have your questions ready before even thinking of improvising. Send them out to your subject as well, so they he knows what to expect. Ask open questions that will engage the person next to you, and make the final question something like “is there anything else you would like to add that I haven’t asked?” Controversial topics might be interesting to listen to, but you shouldn’t go off limits. Make sure that you research the topic and the interviewee, and that nothing catches you off-guard. Have some questions that you can cut out in case you run out of time, and prepare some extra questions to ask if you have too much time left.
Edit the recording as soon as possible, while it’s still fresh in your head. Save new files rather than overlapping the edited version and the original. If you use a soundtrack, check for possible copyright infringement. Finally, you can set up a RSS feed for podcatchers, or simply upload the mp3 files to your LMS of choice – Moodle has a built-in audio player, for example, and works really well with this format.