"Want to learn to speak Japanese? Try a podcast."

The Internet has truly revolutionized the distribution of learning materials. In the last couple of years, podcasts as learning aids have become increasingly popular, either as a stand-alone mini-course or as an enhancement to courses and programs delivered through more traditional sources. Spend a few moments Googling "podcasts for learning," and soon you will be downloading podcasts to help you learn to speak Chinese, Japanese, Italian and other languages; or podcasts offering instruction on Plato's philosophy, current scientific issues, environmental concerns, and almost anything else you might want.

A podcast, according to Wikipedia, is a digital media file or files that the broadcaster (or podcaster) distributes over the Internet using syndication feeds, for playback on digital media devices and personal computers. The term is coined from a blend of "iPod" and

"broadcast." Unlike streaming audio, podcasts allow you to control when you listen to your favorite shows.

Learn Out Loud

Learn Out Loud purports to be a one-stop destination for audio and video learning. It includes approximately 136 podcasts among its 10,000 titles. And, as you would expect nowadays, members rate the titles using the familiar five-star method.

Learn Out Loud offers podcasts in eight categories: careers, study aids, journalism, exam preparation, medical, law, teaching and writing. On the day of this visit, the site was promoting three featured podcasts: one on how to write a podcast, one from Monster.com offering career tips, and another called Career Opportunities (geared toward individuals working in the high-tech industry). And--oh my goodness!--I just noticed that "This podcast is a companion to the print column of the same name that appears in ComputorEdge Magazine in San Diego, California. Written and hosted by Douglas E. Welch."

Another podcast that caught my eye is The Naked Scientists Radio Show Science Podcast. And no, don't confuse it with the Naked News. These scientists merely "strip down science and lay the facts bare." Other interesting titles include the Media Artist's Secrets Podcast. Intended for the creative professional, the blurb says that this podcast is semi-daily, fast-paced, info-packed and fun

As near as I can gather, podcasts are free, although the site does sell other learning products. Teach Out Loud is the site's service for those who want to publish a podcast or other learning aid. Teach Out Loud is a free and simple tool, the site says, and publishers may earn royalties if applicable.

Digital Podcast

The Digital Podcast directory site lists podcasts in miscellaneous categories--ranging alphabetically from art to video products and everything in between. The directory contains 15,525 podcasts in 95 categories and has 17,305 registered users. To help us choose from its many offerings, Digital Podcast provides lists of the highest-rated podcasts, podcasts with the most voting points, and podcasts with the most subscribers.

Not all of Digital Podcast's podcasts are learning-related, although many are. Its featured podcast during my visit was Insta Spanish, providing instant Spanish lessons. Other learning podcasts include Bootcamp: A Report on Computers and Technology, InvestorIdeas.com's Investor Educational Podcast, Learn Japanese, English as a Second Language (for those wanting to improve their English), Manager Tools (helping people develop managerial and leadership skills), Learn Mandarin Chinese Direct From Shanghai, Sales Strategy Radio (developing sales skills), and many others.

Podcasts for Continuing Education

Podcasts also show up as delivery vehicles for content providing continuing education and skill development to professionals of all sorts. Here are a few of the offerings I found.

The Business English Pod helps business professionals everywhere improve their command of business English. Let's face it: Even some of us whose first language is English struggle with business English. We can only imagine how people who speak English as a second language must struggle with some of the jargon.

Teachers and educators find learning and skill-related podcasts at various sources, including Fordham University's Center for Professional Development and The Educational Podcast Network , with its many offerings.

Podcast.net , another huge podcast directory, lists podcasts specific to many other professions--including law and politics, science podcasts representing various disciplines and topics, podcasts for the IT professional, podcasts for visual and performance professionals, and podcasts for professionals in business and finance. Medical professionals will find a directory of medical broadcasts at the Arizona Health Science's Library .

Space limits the listings I can describe, but I'm optimistic that almost every professional will find a podcast with career-related information.

Podcasting in Curricula Delivery

Many schools are implementing podcasts as a vehicle for delivering course materials, with educational podcasts showing up at universities, community colleges, trade schools and institutions providing distance learning. This delivery method is said to appeal to today's technology-savvy youths.

Even young kids are getting in on the act. According to an article published by the Dallas Daily News , fourth graders at one of the city's elementary schools are podcasting to global audiences, sharing works created in class and discussing their projects. Fans of the podcast, which are sure to include proud grandparents and other relatives, can download the files for free through Apple's iTunes Music Store.

The Government Is Doing It

Podcasting also provides a way to keep current with your government and its weekly activities. Free Government Info has links to multiple government podcasts, including the president's weekly radio address; podcasts from the Senate; podcasts from several states (including California); and podcasts from various government agencies, such as Agriculture, Department of Defense, the Census Bureau, Health and Human Services, NASA and more.

You Can Do It Too

Want to broadcast your own podcast? If you want to podcast from scratch, you will need a microphone, a recording device, and a Web server or Web host with enough space to store many megabytes of data and the capability of handling a lot of bandwidth. You will also need special software.

If this seems too daunting for a beginner or for a hobbyist, Web sites like My Podcast.com make it easy for you. My Podcast.com provides free podcast recording and hosting--and, since it serves advertisements with your podcast, you stand to earn cash each time someone downloads your product.

An apple for the podcaster!

================================================
How to Write Business Plans, Business Proposals,
JV Contracts, Human Resource Package, More!
No-cost ebook "Beginners Guide to Ecommerce".
Business Writing by Nightcats Multimedia Productions
http://www.nightcats.com
================================================

The Corporate Podcast Push

What do Duke University, IBM, Capital One, Newsweek and Barenaked Ladies all have

in common? Answer: they are all reaching out to staff, students, and customers with

a new and powerful tool - podcasting. You may have heard about podcasting from

your kids or on the news, but podcasting is much more than some phenomenon

started by the rock and roll or techy crowd. Podcasting is a powerful communication

tool being used to reach global and mobile audiences, save people time and, most

importantly, really connect with their audiences in news ways - in today's

communication/message glut. But let's take a look at what podcasting is, who is

using and why it is so effective for both business and individuals.

First, we'll look at the size and scale of the podcasting phenomenon...

-- A recent study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project found that more than 22 million American adults own Ipods or and MP3 player and 29% of them have

downloaded podcasts or listened to podcast that have been "pushed" to them. That

equates to 6 million people listening to podcasts. Market researchers and analysts

continue to buoy up podcasting's future with latest figures suggesting a US

audience alone of 56 million by 2010.

-- Jupiter Research recently predicted that US digital music player sales would

grow to 56 million by 2010, up from 16.2 million in 2004 and by 2010, three-

quarters of all people who own portable digital music players will listen to podcasts,

a growth from less than 15% last year.

What is podcasting?

Whether you describe it as the greatest communication tool since email, or as an

RSS feed for audio, podcasting is a way to "push" audio content to subscribers for

virtually zero cost. Podcasting allows anyone (me, you, IBM, or NBC) to post audio

content that gets pushed to any subscriber's desktop and then directly to their iPod

or MP3 player. This is global. Anyone, anywhere can "tune in" to your podcast and

learn what you have to offer or say. You don't need to be NBC with a global

distribution infrastructure. Now people can "subscribe" to a podcast and have new

content "pushed" out to them without them having to surf the web, download MP3s

or burn CD's.

Ideas/Stories/Voices ? Audio/MP3's ? Internet ? PC ? MP3

player

All the arrows go in one direction. Once someone has subscribe to your podcast,

your content get "pushed" out to them. There is no turning in to stations with

podcasting. You don't have to visit a website to find streaming podcasting. Podcasts

show up (pushed) when new content is produced. If you are a subscriber, you get

the podcast right then. All you need is an Ipod or MP3 player of any kind for

listening, thus the word podcasting.

The term "Podcasting" is derived from the iPod (Apple Computer's popular device

for playing compressed audio files) and "broadcasting." Podcasting allows for audio

files that would have been previously downloaded and played on a personal

computer to be automatically downloaded and listened to on portable music playing

devices (such as the iPod and other MP3 players).

Having originated in the world of blogging, some have even referred to podcasting

as "audio blogging." For many, podcasting is a logical next step from blogging. As

Business Week Senior Writer Stephen Baker observes, "The heart of the podcasting

movement is in the world of blogs, those millions of personal Web pages that have

become a global sensation. In a blogosphere that has grown largely on the written

word, podcasts add a soundtrack."

Now that you know what a podcast is, let's look at where they come from: who is

producing the "pushed audio content."

Who is producing podcasts?

The answer is wide ranging. Teenagers, techies and rock musicians were early

adopters. Today you see the likes of Rush Limbaugh, Business Week, ESPN and news

programs of all types producing, distribution and marketing podcasts. The number

of podcasts available is growing at a very rapid pace. In late 2004, there were close

to 500 podcasts available. Today there are over 10,000 different podcasts to choose

from.

Now that podcasting has becoming more mainstream, corporate and non-corporate

organizations are getting into the act, using podcasting to connect with customers,

students, staff and partners. Here are some examples:

-- Duke University handed out iPods to their entire 2005 freshman class so they

could receive podcasts that included university news, class work and social content.

-- Capital One University has handed out over 3000 iPods to support corporate

training and communications. This includes, leadership training, sales, customer

service and other topics.

-- IBM has created podcasts to show their thought leadership to customers

investors and prospects.

-- Keane Inc. has handed out over 100 ipods to their global sales force to share

training, customers' stories and organizational content.

Why have these and other organizations gotten into podcasting? They have gotten

into it because they know their audience (whether internal or external) is inundated

with text-based content: emails, articles, the web portals, and marketing messages.

Podcasting allows them a unique medium to reach and connect with their audience.

iPods will be part of Duke University's new Duke Digital Initiative (DDI). "We've been

focusing on iPods and other mobile computing, but our wider goal is to integrate

technology broadly into the teaching and learning process," said Peter Lange, Peter

Lange, the university's provost and senior academic officer. "The iPods have helped

jump-start this process, and we plan to keep pushing ahead."

Listeners love podcasting because it delivers rich content directly to them, in a form

that allows them to save time, control what they hear and listen to while

commuting, working or whenever it works for them. No longer is learning tied to a

book, PC screen or web portal.

Content is still king in any communication, especially recorded podcasts. Podcasting

is the delivery tool. Compelling content ensures continuous listening and not a flip

of the power switch or turn of the dial.

Should you podcast?

Podcasting is not answer to all your learning and communication problems. As great

as audio is, like any medium, it has its limits. While audio allows users to multi task,

it is not easily scanned - which means you consider the listeners needs very

carefully. You must provide value.

Corporate podcasting is different that individuals or media podcasting. The

standard for a corporate podcast is much higher than for individual or media. Your

staff and customers expect certain from your communication with them. You can't

just offer long-winded rants, self serving commercials or cute content. It is all about

value. When producing that value, ask yourself; who and how will you produce your

podcast? Who will review it and how? Will you get it transcribed? There are legal

issues to consider as well.

Despite these issues podcasting can be simple. Once you have determined your

format and established a process the whole process gets much easier. Still

podcasting takes a proactive effort, a planned approach, creative development and

the courage to try new things. But if you have the courage, and are willing to put the

front-end work into it podcasting and mobile audio can provide huge benefits. If

you would like to:

-- Reach a global audience

-- Connect with that audience in a new and effective ways

-- Save your audience time

-- Share the passion, experience and stories of your business

...try podcasting - it works!

© 2006 Tim Keelan, StoryQuest Inc.

Tim Keelan is the founder of StoryQuest Inc. A Chicago based firm that produces peer-based mobile audio learning and communication tools. You can reach Tim at tkeelan@storyquest.us or by calling StoryQuest at 312-258-0111.

"Want to learn to speak Japanese? Try a podcast."

The Internet has truly revolutionized the distribution of learning materials. In the last couple of years, podcasts as learning aids have become increasingly popular, either as a stand-alone mini-course or as an enhancement to courses and programs delivered through more traditional sources. Spend a few moments Googling "podcasts for learning," and soon you will be downloading podcasts to help you learn to speak Chinese, Japanese, Italian and other languages; or podcasts offering instruction on Plato's philosophy, current scientific issues, environmental concerns, and almost anything else you might want.

A podcast, according to Wikipedia, is a digital media file or files that the broadcaster (or podcaster) distributes over the Internet using syndication feeds, for playback on digital media devices and personal computers. The term is coined from a blend of "iPod" and

"broadcast." Unlike streaming audio, podcasts allow you to control when you listen to your favorite shows.

Learn Out Loud

Learn Out Loud purports to be a one-stop destination for audio and video learning. It includes approximately 136 podcasts among its 10,000 titles. And, as you would expect nowadays, members rate the titles using the familiar five-star method.

Learn Out Loud offers podcasts in eight categories: careers, study aids, journalism, exam preparation, medical, law, teaching and writing. On the day of this visit, the site was promoting three featured podcasts: one on how to write a podcast, one from Monster.com offering career tips, and another called Career Opportunities (geared toward individuals working in the high-tech industry). And--oh my goodness!--I just noticed that "This podcast is a companion to the print column of the same name that appears in ComputorEdge Magazine in San Diego, California. Written and hosted by Douglas E. Welch."

Another podcast that caught my eye is The Naked Scientists Radio Show Science Podcast. And no, don't confuse it with the Naked News. These scientists merely "strip down science and lay the facts bare." Other interesting titles include the Media Artist's Secrets Podcast. Intended for the creative professional, the blurb says that this podcast is semi-daily, fast-paced, info-packed and fun

As near as I can gather, podcasts are free, although the site does sell other learning products. Teach Out Loud is the site's service for those who want to publish a podcast or other learning aid. Teach Out Loud is a free and simple tool, the site says, and publishers may earn royalties if applicable.

Digital Podcast

The Digital Podcast directory site lists podcasts in miscellaneous categories--ranging alphabetically from art to video products and everything in between. The directory contains 15,525 podcasts in 95 categories and has 17,305 registered users. To help us choose from its many offerings, Digital Podcast provides lists of the highest-rated podcasts, podcasts with the most voting points, and podcasts with the most subscribers.

Not all of Digital Podcast's podcasts are learning-related, although many are. Its featured podcast during my visit was Insta Spanish, providing instant Spanish lessons. Other learning podcasts include Bootcamp: A Report on Computers and Technology, InvestorIdeas.com's Investor Educational Podcast, Learn Japanese, English as a Second Language (for those wanting to improve their English), Manager Tools (helping people develop managerial and leadership skills), Learn Mandarin Chinese Direct From Shanghai, Sales Strategy Radio (developing sales skills), and many others.

Podcasts for Continuing Education

Podcasts also show up as delivery vehicles for content providing continuing education and skill development to professionals of all sorts. Here are a few of the offerings I found.

The Business English Pod helps business professionals everywhere improve their command of business English. Let's face it: Even some of us whose first language is English struggle with business English. We can only imagine how people who speak English as a second language must struggle with some of the jargon.

Teachers and educators find learning and skill-related podcasts at various sources, including Fordham University's Center for Professional Development and The Educational Podcast Network , with its many offerings.

Podcast.net , another huge podcast directory, lists podcasts specific to many other professions--including law and politics, science podcasts representing various disciplines and topics, podcasts for the IT professional, podcasts for visual and performance professionals, and podcasts for professionals in business and finance. Medical professionals will find a directory of medical broadcasts at the Arizona Health Science's Library .

Space limits the listings I can describe, but I'm optimistic that almost every professional will find a podcast with career-related information.

Podcasting in Curricula Delivery

Many schools are implementing podcasts as a vehicle for delivering course materials, with educational podcasts showing up at universities, community colleges, trade schools and institutions providing distance learning. This delivery method is said to appeal to today's technology-savvy youths.

Even young kids are getting in on the act. According to an article published by the Dallas Daily News , fourth graders at one of the city's elementary schools are podcasting to global audiences, sharing works created in class and discussing their projects. Fans of the podcast, which are sure to include proud grandparents and other relatives, can download the files for free through Apple's iTunes Music Store.

The Government Is Doing It

Podcasting also provides a way to keep current with your government and its weekly activities. Free Government Info has links to multiple government podcasts, including the president's weekly radio address; podcasts from the Senate; podcasts from several states (including California); and podcasts from various government agencies, such as Agriculture, Department of Defense, the Census Bureau, Health and Human Services, NASA and more.

You Can Do It Too

Want to broadcast your own podcast? If you want to podcast from scratch, you will need a microphone, a recording device, and a Web server or Web host with enough space to store many megabytes of data and the capability of handling a lot of bandwidth. You will also need special software.

If this seems too daunting for a beginner or for a hobbyist, Web sites like My Podcast.com make it easy for you. My Podcast.com provides free podcast recording and hosting--and, since it serves advertisements with your podcast, you stand to earn cash each time someone downloads your product.

An apple for the podcaster!

================================================
How to Write Business Plans, Business Proposals,
JV Contracts, Human Resource Package, More!
No-cost ebook "Beginners Guide to Ecommerce".
Business Writing by Nightcats Multimedia Productions
http://www.nightcats.com
================================================

Many times you find yourself wanting to learn a new subject or hobby but are unsure where to start. There is a ton of information on the subject online which can make it rather confusing and you are not completely sure you want to spend money yet buying books or information.

There is a solution to this problem that actually is free and helps you learn quickly. The solution is podcasts.

Podcasts are kind of like amateur radio shows that can be downloaded online. Many are actually very professionally done and give you more content than what you could find on the radio. Many of these are on topics that will help you learn things.

The good thing about podcasts is that you can find them on just about any subject imaginable. Search the internet for "your subject podcast" or go to iTunes and look under the podcast section to find thousands of ones to listen to. You will in a very short period of time find so many to listen to that you can never really get to them all.

The advantage this technique gives you is that you can learn the subject or hobby from someone who is passionate about it. They will know where the best websites are, what the best books are, and where the best information is for people new to the subject. You will also be able to pick up a working knowledge of the subject in a very short period of time.

Find one or two that you find entertaining and put them onto your mp3 player or listen to them at the computer. Gradually you will start to understand the subject well enough that you can hold a conversation on it. You may not remember everything, but you will gain enough information through listening to figure out whether you want to pursue the hobby further or not.

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