What is Podcasting - Frequently Asked Questions

• What is a podcast?

A podcast is an audio file created along with some computer code that enables the file to be downloaded to your computer. More information can be found in the article, "Introduction to Podcasting - Part 1: What is Podcasting?"

• Why are podcasts so popular?

The unique qualities of podcasting are the automatic subscription format and, should you own a digital audio player, the convenience of portability.

• Do I need an iPod?

No. Podcasting borrows its name from the popular Apple digital audio player, but you can subscribe and listen to podcasts without any such device.

• How does a podcast differ from streaming audio?

Because streaming audio files are listened to as they are being fed to your computer, you need a live internet connection. Podcasts differ in that they may be downloaded to your computer and listened to later offline or transfered to a digitial audio player.

• What makes a podcast different than a radio program?

For the most part, radio programs are the products of media conglomerates. Due to the relative ease with which podcasts can be created and distributed, podcasts can be made by anyone. Butlike any form of democratized publication, this is a plus and a minus:  critical experience will weigh in on both the production and consumption sides of the equation.

• How can I listen to podcasts?

Podcasts can be heard using common, modern computers and free software.

• Where can I find podcasts?

There are many podcast resources and directories on the Internet. Our associated article, "Introduction to Podcasting - Part 1: What is Podcasting?" looks at using Apple's iTunes, a free, cross-platform (i.e., Windows and Apple computers) application.

• How do I create a podcast?

Part Two of  our introduction to podcasting was presented as a BruinTech seminar entitled, "If You Can Teach, You can Podcast." The seminar provides some pointers on creating podcasts and implications for academic use.