Whether used as a teaching tool or a student-created assignment, podcasts offer a flexible, creative format to enrich learning through voice and storytelling.
A podcast can be used for many purposes. You can, for instance, make one as instructional media or let your students record one. If you want to make your own podcast, we've compiled this checklist for you to analyse what you want:
Monologues
A podcast featuring one person, like an audio version of a TEDTalk. It's important to really structure this beforehand in order to make this format work to a good podcast.
Interviews (structured, Q&A)
With at least two people you can produce an interview podcast. In an interview format there's a clearer structure compared to a dialogue podcast. This means that the host has prepared questions to be answered beforehand. A benefit of using a podcast as format is that there is still plenty of wiggle room for any questions that may come up.
(group) Discussions
With at least two people you can produce a discussion podcast. This format is best compared to a panel discussion; while there may be some clear topics or statements to be discussed, the emphasis is on the interaction between the participants.
Reports
Similar to a documentary, this combines different formats. This format contains audio from other recordings or fragments; like for instance a news fragment or other interview related to the episode. A host guides the listener through this format, by telling the listener what will be played and how its relevant to the topic.
Just like with designing a (micro)lecture, in a podcast there's always supposed to be an introduction, body and closing.
Example of a script
Depending on the format you choose to either fully script your text or to design the outline of the podcast, to give yourself some more guiding lines.
By at least providing yourself with a basic structure, you also help yourself in producing the actual podcast.
Recording a podcast doesn't require too advanced hardware or software. You can do this with mobile recorders. However, since you are only focused on a single sense as a listener, quality is very noticeable.
Facilities
To facilitate your recording, you can use the podcast facilities at the video studio of the UT to record your own episode. Feel free to contact them here to see what's possible, such as a recording on location.
If you want to record on your own, you can either choose an open-source tool like Audacity or use the campus license for Adobe Audition.
When you finally get to recording your (first) podcast, there are some things to still keep in mind.
During recording:
Be aware that listeners are not there with you. Describe your surroundings to them and ask them questions for them to think about.
Allow for some moments of silence for listeners to think about what's said; just avoid long, awkward silences.
Don't make your podcast too formal: allow for extra discussions and informal talks to pop up and avoid too formal language.
Experiment to find your own style as well.
Assembling & editing:
Ensure the podcast is one coherent story to be listened to.
You can add extra audio and pauses for a more complete experience.
Want to hear what's possible? Check out our very own podcast: Edutalks!
Our episodes are available via Transistor.FM, iTunes and Spotify! The podcast series is recorded at the video studio of the UT. These facilities are available to all employees and students of UT. If you want to get started with producing your podcast, check out the facilities in the Service Portal. Want to be part of an episode, or do you have other feedback regarding the podcast? Feel free to contact us!
Contact information
Would you like some help with setting up your podcast? Feel free to reach out to:
