Podcasts in Education

Podcasts are an interesting way for teachers and professors to share information, lecture notes and/or supplemental materials with students. Podcasts are far easier to deal with than CDs or cassette tapes because students do not have to transport any equipment in order to listen to the podcast. Podcasts can be created by either teachers or students and can be used in a variety of ways. Some are concerned that the availability of podcasts could contribute to higher absenteeism of students, especially at the college level. I think that podcasts are best used when students are allowed to create them in response to their learning. Although I do see the value in teacher created podcasts, I can't help but feel that many students would find them boring to listen to. One exception to this would be if the podcasts were short and concise. If students could download quick answers to the questions they pose, then podcasts may be a great way to accomplish this.