Developing a Podcast

What is podcasting?

Technically speaking podcasting is making files (usually audio, but not exclusively) available online with RSS feeds. RSS feeds allow a "subscriber" to get an automatic update at regular intervals when new content is available, instead of having to return to a website on a regular basis to download new content.
Generally speaking, although it's not accurate, podcasting has come to mean any audio files that can be downloaded or streamed from the internet and played (either on a computer or mp3 player).
If media other than audio is involved in the podcast, it usually takes on a different name. VODcast is used for video podcast, and a podcast with images and links is referred to as an enhanced podcast.
Podcasts are typically updated/read/received with an RSS aggregator - for the purposes of podcasting this tool can also be called a "podcatcher." This is an application like iTunes, or Juice (formerly iPodder), and many others.
So, the bottom line is that a Podcast is just a media file (usually audio) and an RSS feed. You make it come to you, by subscribing with a Podcatcher, so you can listen or view it when you want to - this is often referred to as "time-shifting."

Anyone with a computer that can (at least) record audio, and is connected to the internet.

Anyone with a computer that can play audio and is connected to the internet.
You do *NOT* need an iPod or even a Macintosh.
You do *NOT* need an mp3 player in many cases (because you can listen to podcasts on your computer).

Audio: Essentially any audio that can be recorded can be turned into a podcast. Lectures, speeches, readings, conversations, shows, guided tours.
Images: If you're viewing a podcast on a computer (via iTunes for example), or on an iPod that can display pictures, you can see images that are included in an enhanced podcast.
Video: If you're viewing a podcast on a computer (via iTunes for example), or on an iPod that can display video, you can see videos that are delivered as a VODcast, or video-podcast.

Thousands already exist. Typical places to find them include:

Essentially anything with a primary audio component including:

On-demand shows (audio and video)
- Example: WGBH's Morning Stories
Blogs with audio or video content
Audio books
Audio tours with additional image (or even video) content
Educational content
Course lectures, course discussions, language labs, study support tools, music courses, interviews, speeches, other university-related events.
- Example: BoilerCast
- Example: iTunes@ Stanford (part of iTunes U)
Storytelling
Speeches

Time-shifting: you can listen/view the material when you want, instead of at a particular time when it might be aired.
Students can re-visit past lectures as a study aid or listen to classes, or parts of classes they missed.
Access to course materials is more flexible - reduced dependence on locations such as a lab or library - students can revisit these lectures, or use the study aids while at the gym, or commuting to and from class.
Relatively easy to use and effective, for multiple recording purposes (interviews, field notes, etc.)
Greater student interest and engagement.
Greater support for individual learning needs.

Issues around where it will be stored, access, and copyright.
A decent connection is needed to download the files in a timely manner.
Primarily audio files, so limited usefulness for those with hearing impairments.
Not designed for two-way communication.
Quality can very greatly since anyone can make and publish a podcast.