Podcasts for Learning

It’s a simple idea, yet using podcasts for learning is still not common in the workplace. A podcast is like having a radio show that people can listen to on their own schedule.

Just in Case You Didn’t Know

A podcast is a digital media recording distributed across the Internet. Most podcasts to date are audio, but they can include images and video too. Podcasts can be played on a computer or any mobile device that plays .mp3 files, a common audio format. This includes ipods and other audio players, some PDAs and some cell phones. What a great way for your organization to distribute content that people can listen to in their cars and at the gym.

Selecting a Topic

Because podcasts are generally in an audio format, the content or information you choose to teach through podcasting must not require a visual component. A few examples of the many topics that could work in an audio-only delivery format are:

• Orientation to an organization, such as its mission and philosophy
• Foreign language basics
• Soft skills, such as how to improve listening or conflict resolution
• Recordings of live presentations

eLearning 2.0

Many consider podcasts to be part of the eLearning 2.0 space because they are a mobile form of media and a type of social media format. That is, anyone with a microphone and a way to digitize their audio can create a podcast. This approach to learning can enable various experts throughout your organization to share their skills and knowledge.

Advantages of Podcasting

There are several compelling reasons to try podcasting.

• The number of people using portable .mp3 players is growing
• The popularity of podcasts is increasing. (The UK’s Guardian newspaper reported that in one week, the Open University reported two million downloads of its podcasts on iTunes.)
• Producing a podcast is relatively fast, easy and inexpensive.
• The convenience factor is huge.

Instructional Design for Podcasts

Of course, the same sound principles of instructional design that you apply to all your training development should go into your podcast script. The goals and objectives should be defined. The flow should be organized and logical. The writing should be clear and concise. Terms should be defined. You get the idea.

Podcasting has the potential to be another powerful tool in your eLearning kit. If you are using podcasts for learning, please tell us about your experience in the comments.

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