Life in the Network

What I’ve learned this week…I am not as computer savvy as I thought I was. I have never made a podcast before and at this point I still have never made a podcast! But trust me I’ve been trying! I just don’t get it. I don’t have a microphone so the directions didn’t help me much, I’ve heard you can do it using the phone…but I haven’t figured out how to do that yet. I’m going to try again later, but for now I have finals to study for. In hopes that I will get a couple points I’m going to do this old fashion style.

The whole idea of podcasting intrigues me. I’ve heard about other universities incorporating podcasts into their classes. I think it is a great idea. As a commuter student it would make it so much easier to be able to watch lectures online as opposed to driving 30 minutes to and from campus to sit for a 50 minute lecture. It would also be so awesome to be able to listen to certain lecture material over again to fully retain the information. It would make my drive to and from school much more productive. I don’t think podcasts would diminish the value of university education, but instead enhance it. Podcasting is just another way to reach out to people with different learning styles. I think we should embrace new technology in our classrooms.

I think it is awesome that MIT is offering course material to the public free of charge. Some people are just looking to further their education and since you can not get a degree from taking these classes or use them to get a job I don’t think it dilutes the value of a university education. It is possible for some people to want to learn just to learn. If you are simply interested in learning something you can on there and learn it at your own pace on your own time. I think this site would also be a great tool to use as a study aid.

All in all I think this whole podcasting thing is cool…I just wish I could figure out how to make one!