Learning with Podcasts

[Stephen]

I downloaded my first ever Podcast this morning, for those who are unaware these are small audio or video files which you can download to your iPod or equivalent to listen to or watch at your leisure. Things like radio progs, small films etc. In my case it was the BBC Breakfast programme containing the main news items lasting about 12.5 minutes.

Later in the day it occurred to me that there was some potential in this concept so decided to investigate further. there seems to be quite a lot of Podcast material available through iTunes, but I was thinking about photographic related material. A simple google search turned up masses of stuff. There is a wealth of photographic tutorial and Photoshop tutorial, tips and tricks available for free.

OK you need an iPod video or equiv to view them, though you can also watch in iTunes, but this seemed brilliant. I have downloaded a few to view later. I'll let you know if any are any good

One example of a site where a few different peple have got together is HERE

[Ian]

This new forum has a feature for including podcasts in posts, though I haven't yet explored it.

I toyed with the idea of recording some audio interviews at PMA earlier this year, but the schedule was too hectic and I wasn't really prepared. I may have a go at Photokina next week

Ian

[Stephen]

Originally Posted by Ian

This new forum has a feature for including podcasts in posts, though I haven't yet explored it.

I toyed with the idea of recording some audio interviews at PMA earlier this year, but the schedule was too hectic and I wasn't really prepared. I may have a go at Photokina next week

Ian

That would be a great idea, esp if you could set up a feed so they could be downloaded automatically to iTunes

[Ian]

Yes, the support is all designed to fit with iTunes and RSS. I won't have time to explore this before Photokina, but if I get the chance, I'll just provide multimedia recordings for manual playback or download.

Ian

[JSR]

I'm curious to know how useful a video tutorial on a tiny screen actually is. Surely a tutorial is better on a full PC so you can use the program the tutorial is intended for at the same time?

I've converted some old TV shows and movies to watch on my PDA, but I rarely watch them because of the screensize. It's more of a gimmick than anything - which is what I presumed "podcasting" was.

Are the people who are inventing giant-size HDTV and high-capacity blu-ray/HD-DVD storage simply wasting their time? Is the future matchbox-size?

[Stephen]

Originally Posted by JSR

I'm curious to know how useful a video tutorial on a tiny screen actually is. Surely a tutorial is better on a full PC so you can use the program the tutorial is intended for at the same time?

I've converted some old TV shows and movies to watch on my PDA, but I rarely watch them because of the screensize. It's more of a gimmick than anything - which is what I presumed "podcasting" was.

Are the people who are inventing giant-size HDTV and high-capacity blu-ray/HD-DVD storage simply wasting their time? Is the future matchbox-size?

You make a fair point JSR, I wouldn't fancy watching a film or video of any length, however of the few I've seen so far, the main thrust and elements of the video tutorialis quite clear. Don't forget also that many podcast tutorials are simply audio, and the screen size is of little consequence.

Using them whilst on the move, in the car, on the train, etc is ideal. I've been watching some tonight called photoshop killer tips. They last about 2mins each, and are quite informative, I've actually learnt something.

Podcasting could be classed as a gimmick by some but I feel there is a place for them. Horses for courses as they say

[Ian]

Originally Posted by JSR

I'm curious to know how useful a video tutorial on a tiny screen actually is. Surely a tutorial is better on a full PC so you can use the program the tutorial is intended for at the same time?

I've converted some old TV shows and movies to watch on my PDA, but I rarely watch them because of the screensize. It's more of a gimmick than anything - which is what I presumed "podcasting" was.

Are the people who are inventing giant-size HDTV and high-capacity blu-ray/HD-DVD storage simply wasting their time? Is the future matchbox-size?

Small screens are here to stay - there is only so much bulk people want to carry in the form of a mobile phone or PDA. It's a trade-off between convenience and the quality of the viewing experience.

The trick will be to produce HD quality content and then shrink to fit as required, without sacrificing quality for the big screen. At the moment a lot of content is only optimised for smaller screens.

Ian