Victorian Education Channel Logo

Global Teacher Blog

Global Projects

Video competition

School leadership 2008

Victorian Education Channel - Teacher

What is a podcast?

A podcast is a piece of audio (sound file) which can be saved to your computer. You can then listen to it any time you choose via your computer, iPod or other media players - even a mobile phone. 

The audio can be on any subject. Popular radio programmes are common podcasts, but you can also find language lessons, film reviews or info guides from enthusiasts. Many educators are also creating podcasts for use with their students.

Watch this simple video Podcasting in plain English created by Lee and Sachi Lefever at Commoncraft.com.

How can I create a podcast?

There are three main steps in creating your own podcast.

1.    Planning
Be clear about the purpose of the podcast. Ensure a script is written, revised and practised a number of times before attempting to record.

2.    Recording
You will need a microphone and software such as Audacity (cross-platform) or GarageBand (Apple) to record your sound file. A headset with a microphone is a good choice as external noise is minimised. You will need to download free LAME mp3 software to use Audacity. Jake Ludington has written a useful tutorial about this. You can find further support for using GarageBand from Apple.

3.    Sharing
Podcasts can be stored online at sites such as Podomatic. A Podomatic widget can then be embedded in your wiki or blog. Listeners click on the icon to go to your account to listen to your podcasts. If you wish to share your podcasts more widely, you might use a site such as Feedburner to create a feed for your podcasts and then promote them on sites such as these:

For more information, read Dave Fagg's blog entry about the topic. Join the Online Learning Studio (OLS) introductory course Podcasting Basics.

How can I listen to podcasts? Do I need an iPod?

An iPod is just one device that can play podcasts. You can listen on your computer, or copy the audio file to a blank CD or to a range of portable devices including Creative, iRiver, and Samsung. Many mobile phones can play podcasts, as can Sony's PSP games console.

What software do I need?

If you want to listen to a podcast from your computer, you can use Windows Media Player and Real Player or other programs already on your computer.

If you'd like to subscribe to a podcast you may need to download additional software. Aside from Apple's iTunes, you could use Juice or Doppler. If you want to download your podcasts to an mp3 player, it is probably best to use dedicated software designed for your device.

Apple's iTunes software is particularly popular. Other alternatives include Zencast Organiser (Creative) and PSP Media Manager (Sony). The latest version of Windows Media Player can also transfer podcasts to many mp3 players.

Where can I find Podcasts?

How are teachers using podcasts in their classrooms?

Some teachers are using podcasts from external sources to find content that is relevant to the topics they are covering in class. For example a teacher of history might find podcasts from war veterans and then share this information with students.

Some teachers are making podcasts of their own. Andrew Douch and Dave Fagg are two Victorian teachers who use podcasts in this way. Andrew has recorded content related to VCE biology and students can use his podcasts to help them revise key concepts.

Some teachers produce podcasts with their students and find that this is a great way to produce and revise content. For example a geography teacher might record class presentations on a topic and students can then later download these presentations for revision. A teacher of a foreign language might record students answering questions and use this as a way to highlight pronunciation and accent.

Other teachers might get students to produce podcasts as internet radio programmes, providing pupils with the chance to develop a range of critical communication skills, like interviewing and presenting.