Podcasts Can Make You Smarter
By Asha Dornfest (from Parent Hacks) on October 1, 2010
Education has never been more accessible. Now that we have a
constantly-expanding pool of collective information at our disposal,
material on just about any topic is there for the asking. Just ask
Google. A podcast is an audio- or video-based presentation, generally offered as a series, that's available for download and replay using your computer or media-enabled mobile device. Unlike the name suggests, an iPod isn't required for listening to or watching podcasts: as long as you've got a device (such as your computer) that can play back the podcast's format, you're ready to go.
Because they are so easy to produce and distribute, podcasts are excellent vehicles for lectures, classes and presentations. Fortunately, lots of universities, organizations and generally smart people are hip to this and are churning out podcasts with abandon. And most of them are free, which means you (and your kids!) have ready access to a treasure trove of mind-expanding goodness.
The next time you find yourself with some free time to plug in (on the bus, in the carpool line, while you're jogging), add some education to your playlist. Here are a few good places to start your exploration:
Start here. With iTunes installed on your Mac or PC, you can access world-class university lectures, tours, K-12 education, museum presentations and more. So much more. There's enough to keep you occupied (and learning) for years.
OpenCulture
The team at this remarkable site curates links to "the best free cultural & educational media on the web." You won't believe the wealth of quality content here. Even better, unlike most podcast directories, the site visually calm and easy to navigate. Lead editor Dan Coleman is the Director and Associate Dean of Stanford's Continuing Studies Program.
NPR
Subscribe to a few these podcasts and you will become smarter, guaranteed. At the very least you'll be better informed about current events and the world around you. In addition to its own programs, NPR collects podcasts from over 50 public radio stations. Amazing breadth.
Several other print, radio, and television outlets distribute material via podcast (PBS, Nature, and the New York Times, to name a few). Links to most podcasts can be found in the iTunes Store (in the top-level menu, click "Podcasts"), or on the publishers' websites.
Search Google for podcasts
Want more? Pop this bit of syntax into your favorite search engine, replacing keyword with whatever topic you're hoping to find.
inurl:podcast "keyword"
(A big thank you to Wendy Boswell who included this tip in one of her Technophilia posts for Lifehacker.)
Do you learn via podcast? Tell us what you're listening to and/or watching!
See more from Parent Hacks:
The New TV: Cutting Your Cable Ties
6 Sites to Get Your Kids Cooking
Boost Garage Sales Profits With Tech Tools
For the Birds: Smartphone Field Guides
Gather Round the iPad for Family Games
Track Your Kid's Allowance Online
6 Sites to Help You Plan a Summer Roadtrip
Create a "Possibilities" Calendar
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Asha Dornfest is the founder of Parent Hacks -- where savvy parents swap clever, often unconventional, parenting tips. Here's the practical, real-world stuff you'll never find in an "expert" book. Featured in Real Simple, Parents, and PC Magazine.
Track Your Kid's Allowance Online
6 Sites to Help You Plan a Summer Roadtrip
Create a "Possibilities" Calendar
See all articles from Asha Dornfest
=========================================================================
Asha Dornfest is the founder of Parent Hacks -- where savvy parents swap clever, often unconventional, parenting tips. Here's the practical, real-world stuff you'll never find in an "expert" book. Featured in Real Simple, Parents, and PC Magazine.
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