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What is a podcast?

A podcast is a digital media file, or a series of such files, that allows content to be downloaded and distributed using RSS feeds for playback on portable media players and personal computers.

The term "podcast" is a portmanteau of the words "iPod" and "broadcast",the Apple iPod being the brand of portable media player for which the first podcasting scripts were developed. These scripts allow podcasts to be automatically transferred to a mobile device after they are downloaded.

A podcast is distinguished from other digital media formats by its ability to be syndicated, subscribed to, and downloaded automatically when new content is added, using an aggregator or feed reader capable of reading feed formats such as RSS.

Basic podcasts are audio only; enhanced podcasts allow images to be displayed in time with the audio.

Coursecasting enables classroom lectures to be recorded for viewing online by students at a later time. Faculty can record audio, video, and desktop screenshots (useful for PowerPoint-style presentations). Supplemental course material can be added by faculty after the classroom material has been recorded. All of this content is course-specific and is accessible through Blackboard.

Additional Podcasting Terminology

Podcasting Aggregator/Podcatching software: It is software that runs on the user's PC, whose function is to identify and download any updated content from all the podcasts subscribed through it. The most common aggregator is iTunes;  recent versions of Internet Explorer (7.x) and Mozilla Firefox (2.x) also include aggregating capabilities. Juice is another popular free podcast aggregator.

RSS Feed: RSS Feed refers to a web document which contains the summary of an associated web page. RSS makes it possible for people to keep up with frequently published content of desired websites in an automated manner that's easier than checking them manually.

Audio Podcast: This is the most common type of podcast. Audio only is exactly what the name says- audio only.

Enhanced Podcast: An enhanced podcast is a format that allows images to be displayed in time with audio. This can be an effective way to present information such as lectures with PowerPoint. Enhanced podcasts are also able to present visual chapter index what makes it easy for the students to navigate between different parts of the lecture. This can be helpful for longer audio presentations and quick access to content.

Video Podcast: Some programs have the ability to deliver video alongside audio-only or enhanced podcasts. The video quality in these scenarios is dependent on the hardware and software involved.

Vodcasting: Video podcast (sometimes shortened to vidcast or vodcast) is a term used for the online delivery of video. The term is an evolution specialized for video, coming from the generally audio-based podcast and referring to the distribution of video where the RSS feed is used as a non-linear TV channel to which consumers can subscribe using a PC, TV, set-top box, media center or mobile multimedia device.

Coursecasting: Coursecasts are recorded classroom lectures available for download by students (or the public). Typically coursecasting includes enhanced podcasts (for their ability to capture the desktop) and sometimes video.