The Podcaster

Archive for the ‘iTunes’ Category

Sorry for the misleading title.

A better one would be ‘iTunes U passes 300 million downloads in 3 years’. (Source: Apple press release 24/08/10)

Having said that Warwick Univerities ‘Sex in the Ancient World’ is number 1 on the Top 10 podcasts. Not having listened to it I cannot comment any further.

Back to the point of this post. Apple say that there are over 800 Universities with their own iTune U sites and over 350,000 audio and video podcasts are available.

Research continues into the value of podcasting in teaching. Most seem to suggest that they have real value when integrated into the overall learning process. For example when used by the teacher or lecturer as part of any prework, used as lesson support notes or a revision aid. Most students regard podcasts positively especially when used in a mobile mode such as when exercising or travelling.

So what is the value to business?

 For a start it has its own section in iTunes U with hundreds of educational establishments producing content and in many cases having dozens of programs. That is hundreds of hours of valuable content. For an organisation that wants to ensure its employees have access to Continued Professional Development it could be a very valuable resource – even better – much of the content is free.

Secondly businesses could consider creating audio and video podcasts for their own employee and customer education and using iTunes or their own web site as a delivery platform.

Business processes and procedures, new hire induction and general information on business strategy and plans could be enhanced by using audio and video podcasts for employees on the company intranet or hosted with a secure password system.

Podcasts to customers could include product information to improve their product or service enjoyment, as part of a CRM communication program or help promote new products and services.