As you may know, the Plymouth University has now signed up to iTunes U and our aim is to launch in the Autumn with an initial offering of video and podcast material. This material will span activities across the whole University and will be visible in the UK and across the world.
The purpose of iTunes U is to promote all aspects of the University, including our subjects and research excellence – the potential audience includes students, the media, alumni, research communities and of course the general public.
We are now looking for people to take the lead in contributing to the initial offering of assets at launch and beyond.
Producing material does not have to be an onerous task, and often complements existing teaching and/or dissemination of research. Most iTunesU assets are typically a series of 2-6 minute long clips, and can include:
• audio only
• audio + stills
• a PowerPoint presentation with a voice commentary
• video (captured lecture / other)
• screen capture (recording the computer screen)
Only in special cases do assets need to be produced professionally and video editing is seldom used. The most common form and often most popular style of podcast is audio only (sometimes with supporting still images). These can be produced simply with tools such as PowerPoint and Garage Band (a review of podcast tools is available).
In terms of topics, the best advice is probably to “play to your strengths”.
Some examples:
• audio summary of recent research
• audio summary of key learning concepts
• interviews
• commentary on events in the media / your subject area
• power point with voice over (built in feature of power point)
• video from field trips
• video of demonstrations or experiments
• screen and voice capture (demonstrations using a computer package with commentary)
• student generated content
Podcasting as been identified as a priority in our Teaching and Learning Strategy, and the TEL team can advise and support staff in the creation of podcasts, further information is on the TEL website
There will also be podcasting demos at the VC’s T&L conference on Wednesday and a drop in area where you can create your own podcasts with on-hand support from Learning Technologists – please see http://www2.plymouth.ac.uk/vcsconference/ for more details.
If you (or some of your colleagues) are able to contribute, or wish to know more, please contact Dr Nicholas Outram (nicholas.outram@plymouth.ac.uk).
If you wish to know more about Podcasting or any of the events above, then please contact your Faculty Learning Technologist or the TEL team (tel@plymouth.ac.uk)