Using Podcasts as a Learning Tool in 7 Different Ways

Podcasting is generally used in the combination with blogging. But, recently we have noticed that the scope of podcasting has to extend much beyond that. Even its use has resulted in training, marketing, as well as education. An increase in podcasting presents a wonderful opportunity for educators, business mentors like Dan Lok etc. and learning professionals to create the most unique approach for mentoring students. So, here are a few important ways podcasts will leverage this technology in the learning profession too:

1. Huge Variety of Unique Content

Doesn’t matter your interests and background, there’s the podcast for you. It is very simple to record & publish the podcast nowadays that has made this podcasting world very rich in the diversity of the hosts that create these shows & subjects that they examine.

2. Better Comprehension

Another important role of podcasts for future learning generally lies in improving the listening and comprehension skills of students of any level. Most of the students can absorb this information whenever they listen than reading the content, in a few cases over 3-grade levels higher. It stimulates proper discussion that in turn encourages creative thinking & open communication between the students and teachers.

3. Create Library

The group of professionals that are using podcasts as the learning tool will be able to create the “library” for future entrants. It can include lessons, experiences, words of advice, and tips that can be very helpful for newcomers. Also, podcasting is a cheap way of sharing your knowledge, just like leaving notes in book margins.

4. Better Usage of Language

In-text messaging & acronyms world, good grammar has actually taken the backseat. Still, for the podcaster, better grammar & impeccable language is the most powerful tool, which can leave the listeners highly impressed. The podcast must be in the language of your listeners. Actually, including colloquial terms that are used in daily life in storytelling will help you to develop an instant connection. It is very important to be an ambassador of a brand to inspire the listeners. You aren’t supposed to be the marketer, you need to be a real person who already has tried out the product and knows it very well. 

5. Attending Meetings

Most of the educators need to stay away from some classes to attend events and meetings and see to various other obligations, which involve traveling. When you have time, you will be able to record the podcast lessons for the lecture & ask your substitute teacher for recording during the lecture time. It can give the trainer the head start in making accessible to them an example of the lecture. Also, a substitute may know what you must talk about or how you can deliver the remaining lecture in style, which suits you.

6. Learning on a Go

As podcasts are totally free and accessible any time, the students will be able to go back to this when they want, as the downloaded file on the device, or streaming audio. It encourages the students to take an active & responsible role in learning. Moreover, as podcasts were intended to get accessed using the mobile device (iPod), students will learn on a go. They will be in the coffee store, transit, or hanging over in the garden & get the work done.

7. Learning Teaching Methods

Discussion is mainly about using the right podcasts for the students, however, the value of the podcast in the education profession doesn’t stop right there. Teachers can use these podcasts for telling stories, or to encourage the students to learn and listen. But, there is a different side to this story & it is to mentor teachers for becoming better in anything they do. Actually, teachers will look at different podcast teaching strategies that will help them to improve the approaches & do much better in the profession.

Final Words

Podcasting is very important tool for future of workplace education. When these industries mature & develop, staff may have to do it with technologies. The alternate tools for education are an ideal way you can maximize your time and money. Rather than taking your staff to the seminar room for several hours, give them one 1 hour of podcasts to go through and follow up with the question session.