What is a Podcast?
A podcast is an audio recording that is published online, allowing listeners to stream or download it at their convenience.
In an educational setting, podcasts can serve two main purposes:
- Instructor-led podcasts: Pre-existing podcasts that provide in-depth explanations or applications of course content.
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Student-generated podcasts: Students create and share their own podcasts as part of course assignments
This guide provides support for instructors interested in using student-generated podcasts in their curriculum.
Why Podcasts?
Creating podcasts has become easier with tools available freely on the internet, minimizing tech barriers for students. Podcasts are engaging and enhance critical processes, such as critical thinking, writing, and verbal communication.
Student-generated podcasts can transform traditional assignments by adding value to students work and allowing them to share it with communities outside the classroom.
Before integrating podcasts into your curriculum, consider the following questions:
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How do student-generated podcasts align with your course objectives?
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What is the workload for students to create a podcast?
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Do students have the necessary technical skills, or will they need additional training and resources?
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Will the podcast be a final project or a formative assignment within the course?
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How can the podcast creation process be broken into smaller, manageable tasks with cycles of feedback and revision?
Disciplinary Examples of Podcast Projects
- Discuss the work of a particular artist or designer, analyzing their style and influence.
- Interview artists or designers about their creative processes and inspirations.
- A case study podcast where students analyze a business decision and its consequences.
- An interview with a successful entrepreneur about their business strategy and challenges.
- A podcast discussing ethical dilemmas faced by business leaders.
- Explore different teaching methodologies and their effectiveness in various educational settings.
- Interview educators about their experiences and challenges in the classroom.
- Explore an environmental issue, its impact on the planet, and potential solutions.
- Interview environmental activists or scientists about their work and the challenges they face.
- Discuss a public health issue, its causes, and potential solutions.
- Interview healthcare professionals about their roles and experiences in the medical field.
- A podcast episode recreating a pivotal moment in history through dramatized dialogue and interviews with historical figures (imagined).
- A series exploring the lives of ordinary people during a specific historical period through oral history interviews.
- A debate-style podcast discussing different interpretations of a historical event.
- Create a podcast episode on a significant historical event, exploring its causes, impact, and relevance today.
- A character analysis podcast focusing on a specific character from a literary work, exploring their motivations and development.
- A comparative analysis podcast comparing two different literary texts with similar themes.
- A "book club" podcast where students discuss a novel together, sharing their interpretations.
- Analyze a classic novel or a contemporary piece, discussing themes, characters, and literary devices.
- Interview an author or a literary critic about their work and insights into the literary world.
- Analyze a current political issue or event, discussing its implications and potential outcomes.
- Interview politicians or political analysts about their perspectives on various topics.
- Analyze a psychological theory or phenomenon, discussing its implications and real-world applications.
- A podcast explaining a complex scientific concept in accessible terms, including sound effects and visuals.
- An interview with a leading scientist discussing their current research and its implications.
- A "myth-busting" podcast addressing common misconceptions about a scientific topic.
- A podcast exploring different perspectives on a current social issue through interviews with people from diverse backgrounds.
- A "community voices" podcast highlighting local issues and perspectives.
- A podcast analyzing the impact of a social movement through historical context and contemporary analysis.
- Interview psychologists or therapists about their work and insights into human behavior.
Innovation Hub
- Collaborate With UsThe Innovation Hub is actively looking for partners to help us shape the space and program offerings.
Email: innovationhub@usu.edu
