michigan informatics
Using Podcast Feeds to Stay Informed
Another Internet technology being used to promote current awareness is podcasting. Audio and video files are distributed over the Internet as podcasts. Listening to a podcast does not require an iPod or an mp3 player. Although using an iPod can be more convenient because of its portability, podcasts can also be played on a computer with audio capabilities. Podcasting is another method for providing syndicated content via the web.
Databases and journals are beginning to offer podcasts as part of their services. The New England Journal of Medicine and SAMHSA Radio Newsline currently offer weekly podcast feeds. Most podcasts are free but some may require subscriptions to access additional enhanced content.
Some common ways podcasts could help you stay informed:
- Traditional broadcast and news media are providing their content via podcasts.
- Journals and databases are providing supplemental materials such as weekly summaries and interviews.
- Professional associations are beginning to provide podcasts about conference meetings.
- Faculty members are offering recordings of their classroom lectures.
There is currently no standard method for finding out if your favorite web site has a podcast. On your favorite web sites, look for an icon or link that says “podcasts,” “podcast feeds,” “pods,” “audio news,” “enhanced broadcast,” “vlog,” “video blog,” etc. To find additional podcasts, a list of podcast directories and search engines is available from Podcast 411 or Apple iTunes.
Take some time to explore the selected examples of new internet technology resources.
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