Originally developed to allow subscribers an alternative to station owned radio, the transferring of digital files for on demand listening has become the latest process in information delivery.
Is podcasting a feasible option for higher education, or is it a necessary option that needs to be implemented with the influx of technology demands in the world today? As this generation continues to enhance the use of the internet for information delivery is it time for higher education to offer on demand lectures?
Many universities are currently experimenting with the use of podcasts as an option for students to subscribe to and download lectures to be reviewed and listened to at their convenience. Although some educators are resistant to encourage the use of podcast with the feeling that it will take away from the sense of community offered by the classroom experience, others feel that it can be used as a tool to better prepare students for class participation.
Our research and recommendation indicates that in today's stream lined society where the average household is equipped with a home computer and MP3 players are owned by a large percentage of the younger population, podcast should be considered in higher education. This in no way suggests the replacement of podcast for classroom lectures but to be used as an enhancement and learning tool for on demand access.