Ufi and Kineo provide podcasting insights

Getting the best from podcasting ñ and where and when it can be used to maximum effect - is the focus of a free guide published in a joint venture between the countryís leading on-line learning organisations.

In a national first, Ufi, the company behind learndirect, the UKís largest e-learning network and Kineo, the leading rapid e-learning organisation, have pooled their knowledge and expertise to create a beginnerís guide to podcasting. Called ëPodcasting Reviewedí, the guide will help those new to the podcast concept to decide if it could be an effective learning tool. Most importantly, it will also give hints and tips on how to go about setting up, creating and sharing a podcast.

Kirstie Donnelly, Director of Products and Marketing at Ufi/learndirect says:

ìUfi/learndirect seeks to set new standards in the use of technology and learning to improve the experience for its customers. To that end, weíre constantly exploring new technologies to identify and maximise the benefits for learning, which sometimes means taking risks and experimenting.

Weíre keen to share our insights and findings with the industry as a whole, as well as our partners and stakeholders, to maximise on value and return so we can all learn and share experiences ñ hence this new set of discussion papers in partnership with Kineo.

This first paper shares our experience of podcasting and where we see benefits, but also acts as a toolkit to help others to explore podcasting for to benefit their learners.

We are really excited about the potential interest these discussion papers may generate and look forward to ongoing debates with colleagues in the learning field about what is working best and why.î

Stephen Walsh, Kineo partner, says:

ìWeíre delighted to be partnering with Ufi/learndirect on these practical guides. We feel they will be a valuable contribution to understanding of new and emerging topics in e-learning, increasing knowledge and sharing best practice with suppliers and buyers of e-learning alike. We applaud Ufi/learndirect for sharing its insights to benefit the e-learning industry. Kineo has innovated in emerging areas such as podcasting and rapid development, so weíre delighted to share our views and experiences in collaboration with Ufi/learndirect.î

The guide has an accompanying podcast from Donald Clark, a Ufi Board member and an advocate of e-learning and technology, discussing the benefits of podcasting.

ëPodcasting Reviewedí is the first in a series of guides and discussion papers through which Ufi/learndirect and Kineo will explore key issues in the e-learning world.

Look out for further ëhow toí guides from Ufi/learndirect and Kineo. Topics currently in production include:

ï Learner Support
ï Rapid e-learning
ï Personalisation

ëPodcasting Reviewedí can be downloaded from: www.ufi.com/home/section5/10_goodPracticeGuides/goodPracticeGuides.asp