A Podcast

A podcast is an audio file, that is distributed over the internet and it can be automatically synchronized on computers and portable audio players. It used RSS to communicate and to send info to the users.

The term Podcast is coming from:

• the portable MP3 player of Apple the iPod and;
  
  
• the word 'Casting comes from broadcasting.

You can subscribe to one of the many educational podcast shows. Sometimes they have an episode every day, sometimes once a week, or less.

A podcast about advantages and disadvantages was used in the web based training of week 1.

A Vodcast

Another type is the Vodcast. This is also a show but instead of audio it uses video (sometimes we also use the word Podcast for a video show). For the rest it is based on the same idea and it also is using RSS to make it easy to keep up with the shows.

A Vodcast about podcasting was used in the web based training of week 1.

RSS: at your service!

RSS will help your learners in many ways!

RSS is a family of web feed formats used to publish frequently updated content such as blog entries, news headlines or podcasts. An RSS document, which is called a "feed," "web feed," or "channel," contains either a summary of content from an associated web site or the full text.

RSS makes it possible for learners to keep up with their favorite web sites in an automated manner that's easier than checking them manually. All their learning material will be delivered at their computers (or iPods).

RSS is also used in this learning environment to get notifications from e.g forums or glossaries.

Sharing video

One of the huge differences when we look at the current WWW and the WWW from 5 years back is the use of video. Nowadays, thanks to the high bandwidth, it is possible to create and publish video online. And comment. And share. And edit. And rate.

Not only by using Vodcasts but also via video-sites like YouTube. YouTube is the leader in online video, and the premier destination to watch and share original videos worldwide through a Web experience. YouTube allows people to easily upload and share video clips on www.YouTube.com and across the Internet through websites, mobile devices, blogs, and email.

Streaming live video

YouTube is a publish and share website where you upload your video. Other people can watch it online and embed it into their blogs, course materials etc.

YouTube is mostly a asynchronous event.

It is also possible to stream live video over the internet and to create your own broadcast. You can even do that with a free service. Other people can watch you live and communicate by using chat.

For more info see one of the websites: http://www.ustream.tv/