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How to Get a Podcast to Your iPod

podcastPodcasting, one of those newly minted hybrid terms, combines “iPod” and “broadcasting”, to describe a technology that transmits information via the Internet. Although we once relied strictly on radio and television for news and entertainment broadcasts, we now can turn to a wide variety of MP3 (portable media) players—e.g., the ubiquitous iPod—or even a desktop computer, for the latest.

There are all types of podcasts: news, entertainment, opinion, arts, business, education, environment, government, and health—almost every conceivable topic. There are audio only podcasts or ‘vidcasts’ that include pictures or videos.

How can subscribing to a podcast help with teaching and learning?

What are the benefits of subscribing to podcasts?

  • Reviewing current research. You can stay up-to-date with research findings and progress made by other researchers, colleagues at other universities, or thought leaders around the world.
  • Staying informed. Listening to podcasts can be an easy way to keep abreast with the latest developments in your content area, whether through news, opinions, or reviews.
  • Listening convenience. You can listen to podcasts at a time that fits into your schedule. You are not tied to listening at a specific time.
  • Having freedom. If you download a podcast to a portable media player, you don’t have to be sitting at a computer to listen to the podcast. Using your portable media player, you can listen to a podcast as you fly to conferences, as you exercise, drive to work, grocery shop, or wait for your child’s soccer practice to finish.
  • Improving a skill or understanding. You can learn or build a skill, such as speaking a foreign language. You can gain new knowledge on many topics, both professionally and personally. From economics to museum tours, from ‘being green’ to politics, podcasts can help you increase your understanding and knowledge on a plethora of topics.

How Are Professors Using Podcasts?

How Do I Subscribe to a Podcast?

For neophytes beginning to dip their toes into the waters of listening to podcasts, using iTunes simplifies the process and makes it less intimidating.

If you do not have iTunes installed on your computer, click here to download the latest version. Then, watch the following tutorial to see how to subscribe to podcasts.