A podcast is an audio programme which is downloaded to your PC for playback at any convenient time. Generally podcasts comprise a whole series of programmes, delivered automatically as soon as they are released.
Listeners "subscribe" (usually at no cost) so that new editions are automatically downloaded in the background and simply show up all ready to play! The files can be burnt to audio CD for the car or automatically synchronised with an MP3 player such as an iPod so that new podcasts are ready to play immediately. Here is a great explanation by Lee leFever at CommonCraft. http://www.commoncraft.com
Lee’s explanation focuses on the use of podcasts for entertainment. Recently, mainstream broadcast programming has been delivered by RSS and podcast. Our speciality is in cost-effective production of highly tailored content for specific audiences where they can be applied to help with learning and spreading information within an organisation or more widely in business to business and business to client communication.
As well as being a great source of information and entertainment, podcasts can be great tools for updating field teams and preparing people for meetings - just imagine the briefings delivered to attenders' ears on the way to the meeting so that everyone "hits the ground running".
Check these out as examples and bear in mind that the technology enables production of "enhanced" podcasts with still graphics and clickable links (ideally for computer playback) and full motion video podcasts for computer or iPod. As well as the two examples shown here, we produce podcasts for a range of clients.
On-line learning took another step forward in usability and immediacy in 2005 with the first podcast developed, by Integral, specifically for a UK government programme. Keycast was devised, produced and edited by Integral for the Key Skills Support Programme.
With some 1500 subscribers training provider staff to stay up-to-date without interrupting their work for external courses and meetings.
Peter Clitheroe produces and presents Suffolk ' n' Cool, a weekly show promoting new music from around the world to listeners on every continent.
Suffolk ' n' Cool can also be subscribed to (free) at the iTunes Store or click the graphic to visit the site and enjoy to some of the best music you've never heard.