The Discovery of Podcasts
Let’s keep it real simple: a podcast is nothing more than an audio recording that can be downloaded from the Web and played on your computer or a portable mobile player. The term podcast comes from two words: the popular iPOD from Apple and the word broadcast. However, note that podcasts can be downloaded and played by any MP3 player, and not just an iPOD. In short, Apple reaped the benefits of having a popular portable device during the time that this technology became popular.
Some describe podcasts as radio shows that you can take with you wherever you go. The advantage of podcasts, however, is that you can listen to them when you want. Once you have downloaded the podcast to your portable player, you are in control. In the online learning world, we refer to this concept as asynchronous or time shifting. In other words, you are not required to listen in live mode. In essence, this technology gives you much more control over you life. A good example is TiVo, where you can record shows, movies or sports programs onto a DVD recorder and watch them at your convenience. We are sure you are seeing the many advantages of podcasts already!
How do I Download Podcasts?
Here’s a quick answer … ask your kids for help! All kidding aside, today’s kids are very knowledgeable regarding this technology, as they have perfected the art of downloading and sharing music. If there is a trick out there, they have figured it out!
You have the option of listening to a podcast on your computer without downloading. However, once you have decided that you want to listen to a particular series, such as podcasts from WebcastLearning.com, you can subscribe to them by using simple jukebox software, including Apple iTunes and Yahoo! Music Engine. One great advantage of subscribing to these free services is that your new podcasts are immediately downloaded and available to transfer to your MP3 player.
Most podcasts can be transferred to your MP3 player within a minute or two. When on your MP3 player, you can now listen to them while working out, while driving to your next sales meeting, or while flying across the country or globe. Also, since MP3 files are small, you can email them to a friend. Once you have listened to a podcast, you can remove it from your portable player, but it can remain on your computer’s hard drive. If you are done with a podcast altogether, you can delete it from the portable player and computer’s hard drive.
Proficiency is Quick and Painless
The learning curve in becoming a podcast guru is small. If you can learn how to set your alarm clock, podcast will be a piece of cake. In recapping, here is what you need to get started:
- Any MP3 player, such as an iPOD
- Jukebox software, such as Apple iTunes or Yahoo! Music Engine – FREE!
- And the desire to control your life!
Apple iTunes
To download the latest version of iTunes, click on the following link:
http://www.apple.com/itunes/
After you have downloaded the iTunes software, click on “Music Store.” A navigation menu will appear where you can search the many different podcasts, from business to travel topics. Once you find a podcast that interests you, you can subscribe to it. A great benefit to consumers is that most podcasts are free.
You will also find that some websites (especially newspaper, radio, television sites) are providing quick links to help you subscribe to their podcasts. In essence, they are helping you find them.
Yahoo! Podcast Directory
To Yahoo! Podcast, click on the following link:
http://podcasts.yahoo.com/
The subscription is free and without much training, you will be up-and-running. The “Podcast Search” button is a good start for new users, as you search by topic, author, subject, or any other keyword of interest. Once you find a podcast, you can easily subscribe to it. If you wish to download a podcast, you can download it to your hard drive and transfer it to your MP3 player.
Don’t Panic!
As with any new technology, podcasting will require a bit of trial-and-error. However, it is such an exciting technology that is changing nearly every day. For example, both iTunes and Yahoo! are adding vidcasts, which are video broadcasts that are downloaded to your portable player in the same manner as podcasts. As video players become more commonplace and affordable, you will be able to transfer your favorite shows, movies, and sports programming to your portable player.
The advantage of podcasting can be summed up as follows:
Learn what you want, and only when you want!
|
