University podcasting
I read an interesting podcast transcript about podcasting at universities today. James Frey, an IT guy at Rice University, touched on several of the goals of InsectPod Cast in “The Top 6 Reasons to Podcast at a University” and also outlines other applications and strengths for podcasting in a university setting.
His first reason is recruitment and enrollment. Frey points out that podcasting not only raises an institution’s profile, but also works to create a more personal communication experience for listeners. Podcast listeners are more likely to feel they’ve shared something with a university than those simply reading print recruitment materials.
Frey also argues that podcasting can improve the lines of communication between and among a university and it’s faculty, staff and students. Podcasting can be an effective outlet for students to learn creatively. One of the most impressive statements he makes, though, is the need to podcast courses.
Recording classes digitally and posting them is quite easy: I am sure your Audio Visual Technicians and IT Unit will be able to help if you desire to do this. In my research, podcasting your courses shows only positive results. Intending students can get a flavour of your classes and existing students can participate in podcast discussions thus raising their self esteem. The effectiveness of podcasted lectures is enhanced because students can rehear them; it’s simple but true.
He also speaks directly to the concern that making course materials available outside of the lecture hall will result in more empty seats (something I’ve heard from some faculty members here at MSU). In his own experience, Frey says, podcasting, “has no negative effect on attendance at lectures.”
One reason to podcast that Frey does not address is extension and outreach. This is the primary goal of InsectaPod Cast, and I’m interested to know if he overlooked extension or does not believe podcasting to be effective tool for connecting the university generated information with the general public. Clearly, I believe there is a great potential for podcasting in extension, but I can also see that it might be an even stronger tool for development and coursework.
Another thing worth mentioning about Frey is that he’s practicing what he preaches. The Podcast “The Top 6 Reasons to Podcast at a University” was part of a continuing education course he taught at Rice. The blog on which he posted the transcript was devoted to the same course, and shares information with his podcast blog, “The How and Why of Podcasting“
bug_girl on 18 Jul 2007 at 4:29 pm #
I suspect it’s more that Rice isn’t a Land Grant University. Many people who aren’t at Land Grants have no idea what Extension is, unless they grew up on a farm.
jake on 19 Jul 2007 at 9:16 am #
I think you’re absolutely right, bug_girl. I forget sometimes that I didn’t know what extension was until I started working at a land grant university.
Jeff Frey on 05 Oct 2007 at 11:02 pm #
Jake,
bug_girl is correct in a way. “Extension” to me was what a student begs me for on the morning of an assignment that is due in one of my classes.
Through my research of other institutions, however, I was quickly introduced to the term and meaning. If I could go on to the top 10 reasons to podcast… it might be included, but the areas/reasons seemed to dilute after #5.
Extension, in some cases, was being done through course casting (if there were courses/training focused on it). Entire programs that focus on extension, and that have podcasts as a delivery mechanism, seem to also fulfill the faculty component (getting research out to the masses and recognition of the faculty/school) as well as the development reason (showing what is going on, or what is being contributed, so that people will donate).
I applaud the use of podcasting in colleges and universities, in whatever capacity. Hopefully, educational institutions will continue to come up with innovative ways to use new technologies like it to deliver knowledge to whomever needs it.
Thanks for the post.