[Athen] IS PODCASTING JUST A NEW FAD OR IS IT A NEW LEARNING TOOL?

[Prof Norm Coombs]

Podcasts, Vodcasts and Universal Design

EASI (Equal Access to Software and Information) is providing a 4-week 
series of 4 Webinars on Podcasts, Vodcasts and the Application of Universal 
Design.  EASI's first concern is how to make them accessible for users with 
disabilities, but we are convinced that this is truly one time that 
accessibility also enhances the experience for EVERYONE!

         Podcasting and now Vodcasting are becoming popular as a new way to 
distribute educational content.  One of the questions being asked is 
whether these are just a passing fad or are they a new learning tool.  In 
part, the answer depends on where they are used and even more on how they 
are designed.  It is possible to use these new dissemination tools in ways 
that truly enhance learning for all.

WHY SHOULD I PROVIDE TRANSCRIPTIONS OF MY PODCASTS OR VODCASTS?
Providing transcriptions and/or synchronized captions for them is much more 
useful than only making the content available to users who have visual or 
hearing impairments.  They are important ingredients in transforming 
Podcasts and Vodcasts from being merely entertainment and making them into 
learning experiences.  The really useful aspect of Podcasts and Vodcasts is 
the ability to play them on portable, personal devices letting the user 
access them anywhere and at any time.  However, without the addition of 
being able to get a transcription, the Podcast or Vodcast can become a 
largely passive experience with much of the content being lost when the 
user finishes playing them.  A transcription enables the user to interact 
with the content by underlining, and adding personal comments, questions 
and notations.

Obviously these same transcriptions opens up access to the content for 
students with various disabilities.  Yet, the truth is that providing a 
transcription is crucial in order to turn Podcasts and Vodcasts into tools 
for dissemination of educational content.

HOW CAN I LEARN MORE ABOUT THIS 4-PART WEBINAR SERIES?
You can read about this 4-part Webinar series provided twice, once in 
August and again in September, and also register for the fee-based series at:
http://easi.cc/clinic.htm

EASI'S 3 PODCAST FEEDS
EASI has been providing Podcasts for several months now.  There are 3 
different feeds with episodes being posted every 2-3 weeks to each.  They are:
IT Tips and Tricks
It's About People Not Technology
Recorded Presentations from Accessibility Conferences

you can read more and join any of these Podcast feeds at:
http://easi.cc/podcasts

You can email EASI at:
easi.easi at gmail.com




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EASI 4-part Webinar Series in August: Creating Accessible Podcasts and Vodcasts
http://easi.cc/clinic.htm
EASI August Courses: Train the Trainer and Accessible Multimedia
http://easi.cc/workshop.htm

Norman Coombs
CEO EASI
http://easi.cc

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