What is a podcast?

A PodCast is a media file that can include audio, text and graphics or video and it's published on a web site for distribution. There is a misconception of PodCast being only viewable through your iPod, and this is not true. That is how the term started but today, PodCast are available in many ways. You can download PodCast through services such as iTunes, from the publisher's web site or even view it online. If you have an iPod, you can view it on your iPod or just as regular computer file. Another term for this is WebCast.

There is another term you might have heard of which is "Podcatching" - this is when you automatically receive Podcast updates through a service. If you use iTunes, you can subscribe to receive updates from PodCast publishers, and when updates are available they will automatically appear in your iTunes account.

There are online services that allow you to create PodCast. These services usually required the use of a micrphone in order to record your voice. Most of these services are free and they provide you with a page in which you can promote your PodCast. Some of these services allow you to download the files to your PC but some restrict you to viewing the PodCast only through their services by means of your page.

PodCast can be used to:

• Enhance
• Engage
• Motivate
• Reach out to an audience

Tips for creating PodCast:

• Research topic, have graphics available, write a script
• You must have a quiet recording space
• Use metadata (tags, and description)
• Be aware of copyright restrictions
• Save the file as MPEG4 - this file should be viewable for everyone

Watch this video for a basic explanation of what is a PodCast and how it works.