My search began with Podcast.net, but I couldn't preview podcasts without downloading software. Next came Podcastalley. After listening to umpteen worthless podcasts and noting that among the ten most popular is one slamming Christians while promoting secular progressivism (which embraces socialistic views) and several others featuring raunchy language and humor, I'm alarmed at our cultural trends and disgusted that I've wasted so much time. I didn't find one conservative political podcast, nor did I find a "clean" comedy podcast. My library search didn't produce much either. I located Children's Book Radio and Eye on Books (interviews with authors of new, bestselling books), but Book Voyages, a promising podcast by a school librarian, is no longer maintained. The Educational Podcast Directory looks promising, but is severely lacking in visual appeal. A Yahoo search produced Just One More Book, a podcast that reviews multiple books and could be useful, but the cafe noise in the background is annoying.
ITunes is by far the most appealing, user-friendly podcast tool. I quickly located and subscribed to Bill O'Reilly's Talking Points. Two podcasts I explored, 60 Second Science (video podcast) and The HowStuffWorks Podcast, are fun and informative for both students and adults.
At this point in time, this tool probably has better uses for me personally than as a resource for students or teachers with whom I work. I have seen a number of good podcasts left by the wayside because the author/producer couldn't keep up the pace. I don't have time to listen to them, much less create them on an ongoing basis. I applaud the schools who have put this technology to good use. I wonder if they maintain stats on their listeners.
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