What is a podcast?

Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines it as "a program (as a music or talk) made available in digital format for automatic download over the Internet.  Wondering how it works, there are various tools to use to create an Internet broadcasting such as Audioboo, Podomatic, and GarageBand just to help you get started.   I used SoundCloud to create a school announcement and it was pretty simple to use.  Many librarians are using this type of program to differentiate instruction.  We have heard about differentiation instruction in the classroom, but it also extends into the library.  This type of instruction is helping our auditory learners make better connections with the lesson and are able to review it at a later time if necessary, and help students become better public speakers.  Podcasts is usually used to retrieve and disseminate information, but some librarians are putting a spin to the 21st Century Learning.  The podcasts don't just enhance student learning, but support school goals and AASL guidelines and standards for the 21st Century Learner.  A few examples on how podcasts is be used in the library is as follows:

-Advocating Literature

-Book Promotion

-Promoting the library (Storytelling, Summer School Bus, Book Fairs)

-Book Talks

-Book Review

-Sharing student research products

-Poetry Slam

-Sharing school news

-Staff Development

These are just a few examples on how creative instruction can drive the learner to disseminate information in a different format.  I created a district library promotion.  Our district started a summer mobile library for our students that live in rural areas to receive 2 new books each Friday during our summer break.  These podcasts allow students to share their work via internet.