Podcasts explained

Unless you are of a certain age and go around with your ears permanently stuffed with earphones, podcasts may have largely passed you by except for the occasional mention in the media. But what are podcasts exactly?

Strangely, you don’t need an I-pod – any old MP3 player and an internet connection is all you need to get started. In essence, a podcast is a pre-recorded audio presentation that you can download off the web and listen to while sitting on the bus or through your car radio if it has a MP3 player port.

The content of a podcast is usually voice – like a radio chat programme – but can also include music too. Just about every subject under the sun is available to download as a podcast, from gardening tips to business seminars and product information. Check out www.podcast.net and HIE’s Learningworks podcasts

The big advantage of podcasts is that they can be listened to anywhere and anytime, rather than tying the listener to a set time to receive the broadcast.