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What is a Podcast?
The term "Podcast" is a derivation of the words iPod and
Broadcasting. While the name may have been influenced by Apple's
portable music player, known synonyms for the word 'pod' are capsule,
case, container, hull, husk, shell, and vessel.
This technology brings to the customer a combination of audio and video
which can be subscribed to using an aggregator (we recommend
iTunes ) and listened
to on the computer using an internet connection or downloaded onto a
portable MP3 player and listened to on the go.
Subscribing to a Podcast is easy, and in most cases, free.
Once a customer has installed the "Podcatcher" or aggregator (iTunes)
the customer can then subscribe to Podcast sites. Once subscribed, the
customer can click the Update button to
see the latest information that has been posted on the Podcatcher's web
site. Files can then be stored, played, downloaded to an MP3 player
such as an iPod, or deleted according to the customer's preference.
What is a Podcaster?
A "Podcaster" is anyone who wishes to post video and or audio
files online for distribution to the public. These Podcasters can be
individuals, faculty, staff, students, or yourself. All you need is a
working Podcast (MP3 audio file) and a website to post it.
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What is an Enhanced Podcast?
An enhanced podcast is a podcast that allows images to
be displayed in time with audio.
This can be an effective way to present information pertinent to the
topic being discussed.
Enhanced podcasts are also able to present chapter markers that can
allow users to jump to predetermined spots in the podcast. This can be
helpful for longer audio presentations and audiobooks. The current
drawback of enhanced podcasts is that they are not universally
supported.
The most popular approach is based on AAC and Apple's QuickTime.
Playing these enhanced podcasts on a computer requires Apple's
Quicktime Player or
iTunes. The only portable devices
capable of playing these enhanced podcasts are iPods.
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What Podcasts are available from OIT?
The Office of
Information Technology has become a "Podcaster" for
technology announcements for the University
of Maryland at College Park.
The OIT has been providing podcasts on a regular basis for
the past several months.
NOTE: Depending on your browser, clicking on this URL may
not take you to the podcast. Instead, highlight the URL and drag it to
the Podcasts heading in iTunes or into another podcast capable
application.
If you would like OIT to offer a
Podcast on any University Information Technology (IT) related subject,
please contact us at:
oit-podcasts@umd.edu.
We value your feedback. Let us know what you think!
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