Whether you listen while on-the-go or while at your computer, a podcast can bring expert voices and meaningful information straight to you. Podcasts from the Ayers Institute for Learning & Innovation are specifically designed to support the growth and success of educators. Each episode features respected experts and experienced practitioners. In the show notes for each episode, you will find links to resources that can help you extend your learning.

Professional learning podcasts are ideal for individual use or for "flipped-learning" format discussions with your PLC or PLN.

What is a Podcast?

Definition
A podcast is an audio or video program with a series of episodes that are distributed over the internet as digital media files. The user can "subscribe" to a podcast so that new episodes are automatically downloaded to the user's computer or portable media player.

Background
The word "podcast" is a combination of the name of a popular media player and the word "broadcast" because it relates to the distribution of audio/video program content. However, a podcast is NOT restricted to use on Apple iPod products! You can listen to a podcast using a desktop computer, a laptop, many portable music players, and most mobile phones. (See "How to Use a Podcast" for more details.)

What to Expect
Many podcasts are similar in style to radio programs, but they are not received through an AM/FM radio. Distribution through the internet allows a podcast producer to focus on narrow topics that will be of interest to very specific audiences. A podcast is a recorded program (not a live broadcast / stream) so that the listener can save it to their media player and listen to anywhere and anytime. Podcasts often have loyal audiences and encourage audience interaction using social media and e-mail messaging.

Learn More
Here are some links with more information about the meaning and history of podcasting.

How to Use a Podcast

As a podcast listener, you have options! You choose what to listen to. You choose when and where to listen. And, you can choose HOW to listen to episodes of your favorite podcast. There are two basic ways to listen to a podcast:

On this page we will describe each of these methods and also recommend some free apps to make it easy to become a regular podcast listener.

If you are still wondering "What is a Podcast?," then please read our explanation of podcasting before continuing on this page.

Ways to access a podcast

Streaming method
The "streaming" method for listening to a podcast involves visiting the podcast's website and playing the audio directly in your web browser. There is no special set-up involved. For an Ayers Institute podcast, here are the steps:

  1. Open a web browser on your computing device (desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or phone).
  2. Load the web address (URL) into the web browser: http://podcast.ayersinstitute.org
  3. Navigate the "Podcasts by Ayers Institute" webpage to find the podcast episode you would like to play.
  4. Click on the "Play" button (triangle icon) to begin listening to the podcast audio through the web browser.

The streaming method is quick and easy, but it does not offer some of the conveniences of the other listening methods. You must remain "online" (connected to the internet) for playback to continue. You cannot close the webpage and have the system remember your place in the podcast. And tracking of new and completed podcast episodes is not done for you.

Subscription method
The "subscription" method for listening to a podcast involves using podcast client software (a.k.a. a "podcatcher") to download the newest episodes of your favorite podcast shows. The podcast client will periodically check the "Really Simple Syndication" (RSS) feed from the podcast publisher. When a new episode appears, it will automatically be downloaded to your computer or mobile device. For an Ayers Institute podcast, here are the steps:

  1. Open a web browser on your computing device (desktop computer, laptop, tablet, or phone).
  2. Load the web address (URL) into the web browser: http://podcast.ayersinstitute.org
  3. Right-click on the "RSS" button toward the top of the "Podcasts by Ayers Institute" webpage. On a touchscreen device, you will touch-and-hold the button until a pop-up menu appears.
  4. Choose the "Copy Link Address" option from the contextual pop-up menu.
  5. Open your podcast client software. (Suggested software is listed below.)
  6. Follow the steps to "Add a podcast" or "Add an RSS feed" within your chosen podcast client software.
  7. After saving the new podcast feed, the most recent episode should be downloaded to your computer or mobile device.

The "subscription" method requires a one-time set-up, but you will save time in the future because new episodes are automatically downloaded to your device.

Suggested Podcast Client software

Operating systemSoftware options

Windows or Macintosh Computer
On desktop and laptop computers, the most commonly used podcast client is iTunes. This music jukebox program is distributed for free by Apple, Inc. to users of both Windows-based and macOS-based computers. Within the menus, you will find the "Subscribe to Podcast..." option. Download from the Apple website.

iOS Phones / Tablets
For users of Apple's iPhone, iPad, and iPod devices, here are a couple suggestions:

  1. Podcasts is an Apple, Inc. created mobile app. Download from the Apple App Store
  2. Stitcher is a free mobile app that can subscribe to podcast RSS feeds. Download from the Apple App Store

Android Phones / Tablets
For users of Google Android-based mobile devices, here are a couple suggestions:

  1. Podcast Addict is a free mobile app that can subscribe to podcast RSS feeds. Download from the Google Play Store
  2. Stitcher a free mobile app that can subscribe to podcast RSS feeds. Download from the Google Play Store

Learn more
Here are some links with more information about how to use podcasts.