eLearning Podcasts (and a few others)

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Some people dance with their iPods. I learn with mine. I’m addicted to podcasts because they’ve changed my life. It’s the only way I know to keep up with subjects and topics of interest without taking away from tasks that must be done. I listen while driving, working out and washing dishes.

Although there are many education-related podcasts, there are surprisingly few devoted to eLearning in the workplace. Here are some that might interest you, including a few that are peripherally related. If you have some favorites, please add them below. Must … find … more.

Xyleme Voices is an excellent podcast hosted by Dawn Poulos of Xyleme Learning. Dawn interviews “today’s top industry analysts, consultants and practitioners in the field of learning.” Dawn’s voice is a pleasure to listen to and her understanding of the industry runs deep. Topics have included: Future Workplace, Mobile Performance Support, Future of the LMS, Visual Learning and Open Education. If you don’t use iTunes, you can listen at their website.

The Toolbar features Brian Dusablon and Judy Unrein as they drink beer and discuss the authoring tool and development side of eLearning. If techie is your thing, you may enjoy listening in to their discussions. Topics have included: beers, Zebra Zap, Captivate, Articulate and the eLearning Guild’s Authoring Tools Report. You can also listen or download at their website.

This Week in mLearning covers all aspects of mobile learning by experts and practitioners in the field: RJ Jackquez and Robert Gadd. Listen for reviews of mobile devices, mobile development tools, trends, HTML5, responsive web design, and how all of this will benefit and impact the world of training and education.

eLearning Stuff is produced by James Clay, a learning Resources Manager at Gloucestershire College. Clay is passionate about learning technologies. His podcasts include interviews and discussions covering a wide range of topics, from Screencasting to iPads to Moodle Migration. You can also listen or download at his website.

The eLearning Lingo Podcast (not in iTunes) has short episodes that feature a relevant eLearning term from which a discussion ensues. Produced by Syberworks, Inc., they “explore the jargon used by e-Learning professionals and training managers.” Recent terms that have been explored include: Concept Mapping, Genetic Epistemology, Pair Problem Solving and the Frayer Model. Although I’ve never heard a manager use these terms, you might impress your manager by using them yourself.

Brain Science Podcast is a fascinating look at the latest research and ideas related to how the brain works. It’s hosted by Ginger Campbell, M.D. who has an infectious (no pun intended) interest in this topic. Topics have included: Embodiment, Unconscious Decisions, Reading and the Brain, Memory and Cognitive Science. Although Dr. Campbell doesn’t publish as often as she used to, the number of past episodes is great. You can also listen online.

The Accidental Creative is hosted by Todd Henry, author of a book with the same title. In both podcast and book, Henry explores the stresses as well as solutions for individuals and teams who must maintain “creative brilliance” at work all day. Topics have included: best practices for creative professionals, creative leadership, value creep and creative breakthroughs. You can also listen or download at his website.

The SitePoint Podcast will float the boat of anyone interested in web design and development. Produced by SitePoint book publishers, you’ll get to hear about style sheets, designer interviews, development tools and other nerdy topics. You can also download and listen at their website.

Get It Done Guy is hosted by the hyper-excitable Stever Robbins. He relates many wonderful productivity, workplace and life tips in frequent short episodes. Sample episodes include: Being on Time, Choosing a Tool to Mange Your To-Do List, Dealing with Distractions and Easy Multitasking. If you don’t do iTunes, then listen online.

A Note about Car Listening

If you don’t have a built-in iPod connector in your car, you need an adapter to safely listen to podcasts while driving. I’ve been happy with my inexpensive Dynex cassette adapter, which seems to work with all types of MP3 players (okay, so my car is so old it has a tape player). And I use the Dynex charger, which works with Apple products only. There are also FM radio adapters of course, but the sound quality might vary depending on your location. If you have a recommendation or solution for car listening, please share it below.

Yes, there are thousands of great podcasts—from This American Life to lectures in iTunes U. This is a short list that I thought you might like.

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