Podcasts reach a new generation of students

NO more excuses for missing lectures — it’s learning on the move. Cork Institute of Technology (CIT) launched its first podcast college course yesterday.

Students who subscribe to take part in the first programme of its kind in the country will have their lectures automatically delivered to their computers or MP3 players.

Until now, internet-based learning required students to be near a computer. But portable music players like iPods allow students to learn on the move.

Second-year evening students studying internet technologies and web design, will be able to view pre-recorded lectures instead of attending weekly classes during this term.

Unlike traditional web-based courses, these classes are more like the traditional lectures that students are used to. Some evening students studying at the department of computing will also be able to take their classes online instead.

“Flexibility is a big deal for evening students,” said Colin Manning, the lecturer for the course.

“Most work full-time and would like to organise their learning around their schedules. The approach adopted by CIT is fully in line with this requirement.”

Jim O’Dwyer, head of the department of computing, said providing flexible education for its students in employment is a major national objective and one to which CIT is fully committed.

Members of the public are welcome to subscribe to the podcast lectures using Apple’s iTunes music program.

The subscription address is http://tinyurl.com/ehq9d.