Podcasts

Podcasting went pretty smoothly as the latest technology to be explored. Luckily for me, Sandy had her computer during our study session, since mine is a dinosaur that does not have a camera or a microphone as standard hardware. I had to do my podcast on her computer - we had fun!

The podcast I made was a "self-guided tour" of the library. I think that sort of thing is a great way to use podcasting. It is the narration to something else. I used to go to an annual herbal gathering called "Herbfest" every summer. There would be numerous speakers, with five lectures or workshops going on at one time. One would have to purchase cassette tapes (if you're under 30 and reading this- look it up on Wikipedia) of the lectures one missed. I certainly hope that gatherings like that have begun to use online resources to make the information available to a larger audience. Of course, the cassettes were money-makers, too. Perhaps they stick with the older technology?

Interviews are another great use for podcasting. Step by step directions for putting things together would be another. It isn't always necessary to have a visual, and sometimes it can be a distraction. It's nice sometimes to just close your eyes and listen.

Wouldn't it be fun to do an old-fashioned radio show, like a murder mystery, complete with cheesy sound effects? Or interview an historic figure ( like an author) as a dramatic presentation without having to worry about costumes and make-up? So many possibilities..