PODCAST

A podcast is an audio or video file that is delivered via an RSS feed. For more information on RSS feed refer to the blog post on RSS feed in this blog. For some years since its inception a podcast used to be an audio file. Later it also took the form of a video file. A video podcast is called a vodcast. A podcast is also called “an audio blog”. Most of the times, a podcast is a MP3 file, which can be downloaded to a PC or MP3 player via the internet. Once the files are downloaded, a podcast can be listened to any number of times

The term podcast originated from the words “iPod” and “broadcast”. Podcast is also considered a backronym; it stands for “Personal On Demand broadcast". The idea of podcast originated from radio and television broadcast through which information was delivered to the end users. The difference between the podcast and broadcast is that podcast customizes the information as per the user’s interest.

Most of the podcasts are free. All that we need is a podcatcher or podaggregator. A podcatcher is application software that downloads and organizes podcasts. Some of the most popular and free podcatcher applications are Juice and Doppler. These tools get the audio file from the feed and automatically transfers it to your MP3 player (either on your PC or to the plugged in MP3 player). You can also download a single podcast of your choice without subscribing to the feeds.

How to download a podcast to your MP3 player?

Step 1:

Find the podcast you want to download by using a traditional or podcast specific search engine.

Step 2:

Copy the URL (Web address) of the podcast you want from the address bar of your Web browser. This URL is obtained by clicking on XML or RSS feed icons.

Step 3:

Paste the URL into your podcatching program (such as iTunes/Juice/Dopppler) to subscribe.

Step 4:

Allow the program to download the podcast.

Step 5:

Sync the podcast to your MP3 player i.e. connect your player to the PC with the cable of the MP3 player or it can also be played on the PC itself Transfer the file and listen at your own leisure.

Once you have subscribed, the podcasts get downloaded automatically the next time you connect the MP3 player.

Podcasting in learning:

· Lectures – Lectures can be recorded and saved as a podcast, and later listened to at our leisure.

· Stories - Storytelling for children or the visually-impaired.

· Music - Band promotional clips

· Talk Shows interviews - Industry or organizational news, investor news, sportscasts, news coverage and commentaries.

· Training - Instructional materials.

Now no more waiting for your favourite radio/TV shows. Download a podcast and listen whenever you want.