Podcast thoughts

In this Learning Block we're looking at media, in particular podcasting and vodcasting, (for a further explanation of what a podcast is please review the PODCAST chapter, in LB 3, on the Blackboard course site and listen to the podcast!), but I just wanted to share my thoughts on the whole concept of podcasts. I've always loved radio and if it was a choice between radio and tele, radio would win hands-down. My favourite radio station is Radio 4, a British BBC station. The closest thing here in the States would be NPR but it's not as overtly liberal and in my opinion the quality of the programming far superior. Perhaps becuase it's far more varied than NPR. One of my favourite transmissions is Book at Bedtime. They take a book and read portions of it every night for about fifteen minutes. When I lived in London it was typically the last thing I heard before falling asleep. While the BBC doesn't offer a podcast for Book at Bedtime they do offer the ability to download the last seven days broadcast and listen to it through their media player. I used to listen to books on tape a lot and I did a lot of language learning in the car from CDs or tapes. Now all of this I do through podcasts. I'm able to download French and Italian radio programmes or segments of and play them at my convenience on my iPod. I can learn about the latest technology through tech specific podcasts from some of the top universitity professors and industry specialists. I can keep in touch with the latest English parliamentary scandals and be aware of what colours I should be including in my Autumn wardrobe.
The globalising effect that podcasting has enabled is huge. Particularly in education. Podcasting, and I'm including vodcasting in that label too, opens up information to students in an easily usable package whose versatility only enhances its breadth of subjects. It's the ease of use and simplicity of podcasts that makes it appealing and I for one, have jumped fully on the podcasting bandwagon.

Just a reminder of your bonus point opportunity for this Learning Block - find and listen to a podcast for a week and then comment on your blogs. I'd like to read your thoughts and feelings on the genre of podcasting and how you feel it can be used in your classrooms. Remember to include the subscription link or URL to your chosen podcast on your blog entry. Also, as an FYI, Bob and I will shortly be posting instructions and how to videos on creating your own pod/vodcast on Blackboard, so that you'll be able to successfully complete your LB 3 project. Doesn't it feel like you just finished a Learning Block project?!