Podcasts let us take advantage of all the benefits of listening to the radio, without the constraints. Here are some answers to questions that should help you get up and listening to podcasts in no time.
How is a podcast different than listening to the radio?
The radio has shows (or music) that play at a scheduled time. If you don't happen to be listening when the radio show comes on, you'll miss it.
Podcasts can be accessed anytime you want, in a variety of ways to let you listen while on the go.
How do I listen to a podcast?
The most basic way to listen to a podcast is to go to the page for the episode you want to listen to (using the episodes listing) and press the play button on the podcast player.
The downside to listening that way, is that you have to stay nearby your computer to be able to listen. That's where subscribing to a podcast via any number of services turns into a real advantage.
How do I subscribe to a podcast on my smart phone?
There are podcasting apps for every kind of smart phone out there today.
If you use an iPhone, there is a built-in app from Apple called Podcasts that will allow you to search for and then subscribe to podcasts. There are other apps you can use on an iPhone to listen to podcasts, if you prefer. The one that many people in the Teaching in Higher Ed community use is called Overcast.
Android phone owners have plenty of choices of podcasting apps. Here's a list (updated in April of 2016) of some of the best ones.
Is there a video of how to subscribe to a podcast on an iPhone?
Why, yes. I do have one. It is of my husband describing how to listen to a different podcast, though. However, when he tells you to type in what podcast you're searching for, just search for Teaching in Higher Ed, instead of the podcast he is referencing.
How to Subscribe to the Carnegie Coach podcast
Dave also shares about how to rate and/or review a podcast. The best way to make others aware of the show is through your ratings and reviews, so I hope you'll consider either writing a review or giving it a “stars” rating.
What other ways can I listen to podcasts?
It is exciting to consider all the options we are starting to see for listening to podcasts. Your car audio system may be able to access podcasts. Your smart devices (like the Amazon Echo) may be able to access podcasts. I'm sure as soon as I create this post, someone will have come up with a new way for us to listen.