Podcasting for Instruction
?️What Makes Podcasting a Valuable Teaching Tool?
Podcasting offers faculty a dynamic and flexible way to enhance instruction, foster engagement, and extend learning beyond the classroom. By creating audio content tailored to their courses, instructors can provide students with accessible, on-demand learning experiences that support diverse learning styles and busy schedules. Podcasts can be used to deliver mini-lectures, share expert interviews, reflect on course topics, or provide supplemental material that deepens understanding. This format encourages a more personal connection with students and can help build a sense of community, especially in online or hybrid environments.
? What Is a Podcast?
A podcast is a series of digital audio episodes that can be streamed or downloaded from the internet. Podcasts are typically hosted on platforms like Spotify, Apple Podcasts, or institutional systems, and can be subscribed to using apps or RSS feeds for automatic updates. In an educational context, podcasts allow instructors to share course-related content in a format that students can access anytime, anywhere.
? What Is a Podcast Channel?
A podcast channel serves as the central hub for all episodes related to a specific course or theme. Think of it like a playlist or series where each episode builds on the last, and students can subscribe to the channel to receive new content automatically. Your channel might be named after your course title or a recurring topic you explore throughout the semester.
?️ Getting Started: Recording and Publishing
When recording, consider breaking your lecture or content into smaller, manageable segments—typically 5 to 15 minutes long. This makes it easier for students to absorb information and revisit specific topics.
To publish your podcast:
- Record your audio using a digital recorder, smartphone, or computer.
- Upload the file to A-State’s podcast manager.
- Share the channel link with your students via Canvas or email.
Once subscribed, students will automatically receive new episodes as they’re added—no need to manually download each one.
? Practical Uses for Faculty
Faculty can use podcasting in a variety of ways:
- Weekly summaries to reinforce key concepts
- Guest interviews with experts in the field
- Audio feedback on student work
- Supplemental content for flipped or hybrid classrooms
? Support and Resources
Need help getting started? The Center for Excellence in Teaching and Learning (CETL) can assist with podcast setup, recording tools, and best practices.
? Location: Dean B. Ellis Library Suite 301
? Email: cetl@astate.edu
? Phone: 870-972-2334