Podcasting, a means of distributing audio files through the Internet, is rapidly becoming a popular alternative to radio. Podcasters describe the ability to listen to audio content anywhere, anytime using a personal mp3 player as a distinct advantage over other forms of broadcasting. Podcasting clients, such as the open-source iPodder, allow individuals to subscribe to audio "feeds" using an XML-based syndication protocol called RSS. Adding a feed to a podcasting client is a simple matter of copying a link into the program. After that, the software checks for new podcasts automatically.

The term podcast, a combination of "iPod" and "broadcast", originated sometime in 2004. After only about a year, podcasting has already been described as "the next generation of radio" by Steve Jobs, CEO of Apple Computer, Inc. (www.podcastingnews.com). Though Apple is embracing the concept (the latest version of iTunes has built-in support for Podcasting), podcasting is platform independent, with a variety of software tools available for Windows and Linux as well as Mac OS.

A quick look at the ever-growing list of podcasts listed on sites such as www.podcast.net reveals an eclectic assortment of topics, ranging from music to technology to politics. Recently made available is alt^I 's own podcast, Knowledge Revolution (RSS). Knowledge Revolution has interviews with teachers and technologists on the developing edge of current educational technology and knowledge media.

To get started with podcasting, head over to our Software and Tools page and download iPodder. If you would like to turn your lecture into a podcasted audio feed, follow this link to access our existing list of podcast as well as create your own podcast.