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     Related Information

VEMNY- Vision Education & Media provides after-school programs to youth in technology and multimedia. Our mission is to construct solutions that inspire students and teachers and address the widest possible range of academic standards.

Campus Technology- An article with Rice University’s Jeffrey Daniel Frey about podcasting and education.

Journal of the American Medical Informatics Association- using podcasting as a means for critical care communication and education

Podcasting

       The idea of distributing video files electronically came about long before the creation of the internet. Audio and video distribution sites began appearing in the nineties, but were limited in content and users. The popular audio/video distribution known as podcasting began to take off with consumers in late 2004. Since then, the use of podcasting and the variety of audiences it reaches has expanded exponentially. In September of 2004, a Google search for podcasting would have returned 24 hits, by October 2004 there were over 100,000 hits, and as of 8 April 2009 Google search estimates there are around 130,000,000 hits.

       The users and uses of podcasts vary. News organizations, radio stations, businesses, teachers, websites, singers, freelancers, artists, and even politicians are venturing into the virtual world to reach an ever wider audience. This growing trend is helped along with the younger generations’ “on demand” attitude. The youth of the world has become accustomed to being plugged in, and podcasts give them the outlet to be enlightened or entertained as they peruse the world through their computer monitor.  Podcasts give the user the power to watch almost anything, from anywhere, at any time, which also makes it a great tool.

Uses in Education and Business

       Podcasting is becoming increasingly popular, and as the audience expands the sources being broadcast multiply. A growing trend in podcasting is its use in education. This tends to occur in higher level education or long distance learning opportunities. For courses taken online, professors can post lectures for students to download rather than offering DVD lectures or written explanations. This is especially popular with correspondence type courses taken from schools outside of the student’s home state. Some podcasting educational “lectures” are offered as informal courses that teach skills or hobbies much like a community center program. Podcasting lectures is beneficial to both teacher and student. For the teacher, they can pre-record lectures and have them available for multiple classes, even for different semesters. This allows the teacher to have more free time since they can schedule to record several lectures at one time and not have to be present for a regular weekly lecture. For students, this also allows them the flexibility of watching the lectures whenever it is most convenient for them, and also the opportunity to re-watch all or portions of a lecture for clarity and studying. Having the teacher “at their fingertips” gives the student more control over their learning, allowing him to study when he is most comfortable and attentive and thereby improving the educational experience.

       Businesses are also using this new technology for their benefit. Podcasting allows businesses to distribute information quickly and in a personalized manner. Many are using podcasting as a new marketing tool. Podcasting is an easier way to reach a target audience compared to a blanket commercial or billboard which reach a large audience of people not necessarily interested in your product or service. Company websites can post ads for their products, consumer interviews, demonstrations, and interviews with staff or executives, all of which can impact the consumer more than a picture or paragraph. A website that offers a podcast where you can watch an expert espouse the virtues of a product is more convincing than one with quotes by that same expert describing how wonderful the product is. Businesses also can utilize this technology to make pitches to potential partners or investors, especially if they are cross-country or international. This cuts down on time and money spent traveling to presentations. These podcasting pitches can then be sent to multiple groups around the world. As the age of the internet roars forward businesses and schools are keeping in stride with the growing computer plugged populace.

About iGroup

       Located in Atlanta, Georgia, iGroup was founded in 1999 as a small business support team. We began as a small company of five co-owners with 30 years of experience in business technologies. Our goal is to help companies be aware of the new technology available to them and how they can best utilize these new opportunities. Since we first opened we have helped thousands of companies realize their potential.  We have an expansive Small Business department that focuses on small and upcoming businesses and their unique issues.

       Our knowledgeable staff has assisted companies in almost every field of business, including agritourism, catering, remodeling, and jewelry. Expansions in 2001 moved us to a new office to accommodate our growing Corporate department, specializing in the large business sector. Since then, iGroup has worked with many nationwide companies such as Darden Restaurants, YUM brands, ConocoPhillips, Oneida, and Delco to find innovative solutions to their problems by finding cutting edge technology to fit their needs.

       We pride ourselves in helping out local businesses who give back to their community. iGroup also has a Not-For-Profit division to help community groups and donation based programs have the technology support they need. Every year we co-sponsor the Atlanta Block Party and Children’s Christmas Parade with Atlanta Parent Magazine and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta with help from Tanglewood Farm to benefit the Children’s Miracle Network and Children’s Healthcare of Atlanta.

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