Have you ever got the feeling which you are tired of reading page after page? I’m sure it happens to all of us – while having a homepage, publishing newsletter or sending our emails can be very efficient and informative, it might not be able to draw people’s attention all the time. That’s where technology such as videos and podcast comes in and makes a difference!
What is Podcast?
Why Podcast?
- Keep people’s attention: Not everyone has the time/energy/patience to keep reading. Conveying messages or reporting updates into audio format allow your students catch up with you like they listen to news or music – a good alternative indeed!
- Portable: They can listen to your “story”, anytime and anywhere, by downloading the podcasts to their mp3 or mobile
- Alternative “voice”: Depending on what content your podcast has, you can keep your students updated with narrative (e.g. monthly update from LGBT Officer) or interactive (e.g. chitchating with an international student about his experience on campus) approach, which makes it more interesting, lively and personal.
What to Podcast?
Ideas can be endless! In principle, anything you can report by writing can be made into podcast. The key is to be creative, concise and witty. Some examples can be:
- Regular updates from officers
- News of / calling for campaigns
- Interviews with staff and students on different issues
- “Digest” of meetings and minutes (how the decision can influence students’ life)
How to Podcast?
One of the advantages of podcasting is its accessibility! You don’t need to have expensive equipments – a reasonable audio recorder (or mp3 with recording function) can already do the job! After recording, you can edit it with freeware such as Audacity before making it available online. Remember to allow your students to subscribe your podcast by using RSS, so your new podcast will automatically go to their iTune or other audio players.
What some ideas? Check them out:
Canterbury College Podcast
Sheffield University Students’ Union Podcast
Posted by wingyinchan 
