Podcasts as a learning aid
Dr Brian Squire
Decision Sciences & Operations
Management Group
Useful Terminology
Podcast: An audio broadcast that has
been converted to an MP3 file (or
equivalent) for playback in a digital music
player or computer.
MP3 File: A file containing a song or audio
data.
iTunes: Digital jukebox software for the
Mac and Windows from Apple.
PCMag.Com
Motivation
To provide a revision aid to help students
distill main points from 2 hour lecture.
Supplement notes and readings does NOT
replace.
10 - 15 minutes summary only.
Helps students participate in the
classroom more freely because they do
not have to write everything down.
Results: Quotes from students
“I felt the podcast for SCM was a really good
idea, it reinforced the lectures
and the readings brilliantly and I liked being able
to pause the podcast to
write important information down which I had
missed in the lecture.”
“I thought the podcasts were a useful addition to
the course and made a refreshing change from
reading out of date journals.”
Process for creating MP3 file
1. Download audacity software at:
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
2. Download and follow instructions for MP3
conversion software at:
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/help/faq?s=insta
ll&item=lame-mp3
3. Record lecture & save (in preferences select
spectrogram and then 128 to reduce file size)
4. Export as Mp3 file
5. This file can be uploaded to WebCT in the
usual manner
Screenshots of audacity page
Listening to MP3 files
Providing a link in WebCT means that
students should be able to click and listen
to your recording.
However, it is best to point out that
students will need media software such as
Windows Media or iTunes.
Students can then listen on their
computers or upload to their iPod or other
generic MP3 player.
Screenshot of download page
You can stop here or choose to
create subscription podcasts
Creating subscription podcasts
Creating a subscription podcast means that
students can subscribe to your podcast via
iTunes. Once subscribed, files will automatically
upload to their account any time you make it
available.
To create podcasts you will need to be
registered on Wimba software at the University
To register send a request to:
webct-staff@manchester.ac.uk
Wimba process
1. Login to Wimba at:
http://uom.horizonwimba.com/uom
2. Select Wimba podcaster
3. New to create new directory - use name of
course for directory
4. Click ‘View’
5. Click ‘Import’ and select MP3 file
6. Click ‘1-click’, this should bring up iTunes which
will automatically upload your podcast.
Creating a link in WebCT
1. Create a link page as usual in WebCT
2. Use the URL from Wimba for link. This
can be found by clicking the name of
your podcast and then going to publish.
The URL you need is ‘URL pointing to
podcaster’
3. Students can now click to subscribe!
Screenshot of download page
You now have a working podcast!
Podcasts as a learning aid
Dr Brian Squire
Decision Sciences & Operations
Management Group