On podcasts

Site:	Loomen za stručna usavršavanja
Course:	Digital Technologies for Communication, Collaboration and Professional Development
Book:	On podcasts

Printed by:	Gost (anonimni korisnik)
Date:	Sunday, 22 February 2026, 6:23 PM

Description

This activity will introduce the concept of podcasts in an educational and scientific context.

1. Introduction
2. Podcast in educational and scientific contexts
3. Advantages and disadvantages of podcasting in education
4. Tips for creating a podcast
5. Conclusion
6. References

1. Introduction

The development of digital technologies at the beginning of the 21st century opened the way to new forms of knowledge and information transfer, and podcast technology stood out among them. The term podcast itself first appeared in 2004 as a combination of the words iPod (Apple's device introduced in 2001) and broadcast, which denoted a new form of communication channel based on the distribution of audio and video over the Internet.

Unlike traditional radio broadcasting, podcasting gives users complete control: they can choose what they want to listen to or watch, at a time and place that suits them best. This has proven to be extremely adaptable to modern educational practices.

Technologically speaking, a podcast is based on three key components: content recording, publication via RSS technology and distribution through digital platforms and devices. As a medium that works asynchronously, it brings flexibility, simplicity and wide availability, which makes it very suitable for both formal and informal education.

2. Podcast in educational and scientific contexts

Podcast in education and science is most often used as a supplementary source of knowledge, either in the form of recorded lectures, interviews, audio lessons or student productions or for the promotion of scientific ideas. Its main pedagogical value lies in the adaptation to individual learning styles and the availability of learning "on demand", i.e. in the rhythm and space determined by the student himself, while in the part of popularizing science, podcasts help spread information about new scientific knowledge and research.

Numerous studies indicate that listening to content can positively influence motivation, understanding of the material, and a sense of autonomy in learning. There is a certain power of the spoken word as a medium that can resonate more deeply with students and encourage emotional and cognitive engagement. Likewise, podcasts stimulate interest in science through storytelling, interviews, and real-life examples, thereby strengthening the connection between scientists and society. Podcasts also contribute to building trust in science and spreading a culture of open and accessible communication about scientific knowledge.

Ways of using podcasts in education

Two types of podcasts are most often used in education:

podcasts are created by teachers (as a teaching resource)
podcasts are created by students (as a form of assessment of knowledge and skills).

When teachers make a podcast

A teacher can record their own podcast as a keynote speaker or conduct an interview with a guest. Some use it as a substitute for live lectures, but it is important that the podcast is not just reading lectures, but that it is shaped into interesting and engaging content.

A special form is podcast lectures (Zijp & Karreman, 2020), a combination of one or more audio recordings with slides or short video clips, followed by discussion and questions from students.

Podcasts are useful for introducing a topic or deepening a discussion. For example, students can listen to a podcast before class and discuss the content during the lecture. Research shows that this increases the ability to reflect (Andersen & Dau, 2021).

In order for the podcast to have its full effect, it needs to be integrated into the course: connect it with tasks such as writing an essay, asking and answering questions or preparing a discussion.

When students create a podcast

Podcasting can also be a tool for learning through making. When students record their own podcasts, they are operating at the highest level of Bloom's taxonomy, creating (Krathwohl, 2002). This allows them to learn more deeply and develop reflection (Andersen & Dau, 2021).

The assignment can be for an individual or a small group to create a podcast on a course topic: for example, an interview with an expert, a discussion among students about a specific problem, or a presentation of their own views on a given topic. Such an activity encourages students to research, be creative, and connect knowledge with practice.

Ways of applying podcasts in the popularization of science

Podcasts can be used in different ways in popularizing science, depending on the goals and target audience:

interviews with scientists and experts, with discussions about current research, the social significance of science and the personal experiences of researchers, listeners gain an authentic insight into the scientific process and the human side of science
thematic series on scientific concepts or discoveries, podcasts can cover a specific topic over multiple episodes (e.g., climate change, artificial intelligence, genetics), allowing for a deeper understanding and monitoring of the development of scientific knowledge in an interesting and accessible way.

3. Advantages and disadvantages of podcasting in education

Benefits of podcasting include:

Students like flexibility, they can study when and where they want (Evans, 2009)
They feel better prepared for class (Andersen & Dau, 2021)
Many students enjoy listening to podcasts
By using podcasts, they come into contact with professional language and terms from their field, which helps them better understand the material and discuss the topic more effectively
They have the impression that they are in more frequent contact with the teacher, which increases their motivation
Well-designed tasks associated with podcasts can have a positive effect on motivation and academic performance.

However, it is also worth highlighting the challenges: insufficient technical literacy of teachers, lack of academically verified content, technical limitations of integration with existing systems and, above all, the risk of passive reception of content without cognitive activation.

Teachers should use the podcast as a complementary tool, not a substitute for didactic interaction, with the possibility of involving students in content creation as a form of active and participatory learning.

The advantages of podcasts in popularizing science

Podcasts provide an accessible and flexible way of learning, as they can be listened to at any time and on different devices.
They use a conversational and informal style to bring complex scientific topics closer to a wider audience.
They provide a deeper understanding of topics through interviews, narratives, and practical examples.
They encourage critical thinking and interest in science, especially among younger generations who prefer digital media.

The disadvantages of podcasts in popularizing science are the lack of visual elements can make it difficult to explain complex concepts or data that would be clearer with a graphic presentation; the quality of a podcast depends on the expertise of the interlocutor and the accuracy of the information, so there is a risk of superficial or inaccurate presentation of scientific topics; podcasts require time to plan, record and edit, which can be challenging for individuals without technical experience or support.

Scientists should use podcasts as a tool to communicate their research in a clear, engaging, and accessible way to the general public. This can increase the visibility of their work, stimulate interest in science, and contribute to a greater understanding of scientific topics in society.

4. Tips for creating a podcast

If you are planning to create a podcast as a teacher or scientist, it would be a good idea to pay attention to a few important things in advance.

Define your goal. First, clearly define what you want to achieve with your podcast, whether you want to introduce a new topic, spark a discussion, or deepen existing knowledge.
Think about the structure and audience. Work out the parts of your podcast well: the introduction (who is speaking and what it is about), the main part (the key content you are conveying), and the ending (a summary and announcement of future topics).
Use storytelling and an informal tone. Storytelling and a relaxed atmosphere help keep the listener's attention.
Ensure quality sound. Audio quality is crucial to the experience, test your equipment and settings before recording.

5. Conclusion

The variety of digital tools for multimedia shows how dependent modern learning and communication processes are on visual, auditory and interactive formats. Teachers and students today have access to resources that were previously reserved for professional production companies, and their availability opens up space for creativity and innovative pedagogical practices.

From professional video editing to simple infographic tools, every user can find a solution suitable for their needs and technical skills. Ultimately, the goal of these tools is not only aesthetic value, but also improving the quality of communication, understanding and collaboration in educational and professional contexts.