Several American universities (e.g. Stanford , University of Michigan ) are collaborating with Apple to allow access to lectures via iTunes U. This agreement allows the participating universities to make recordings of lectures available on the Internet in a format which students can download to their MP3 players.

But how can we use podcasts beyond capturing lectures or presentations? A solid pedagogical foundation is essential for the production of effective podcasts for educational purposes. Podagogy.com illustrates, how podcasts might be structured for instructional impact by combining Keller's ARCS model and Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction:

Attention:
A podcast that begins with a sound effect or uses alternating speakers (as in dialogues or interviews) evokes attention. Telling the learner the objectives of the podcast increases the expectancy and helps to motivate the listener. One possibility to stimulate recall is to ask questions about previous experiences.

Relevance:
When using podcasts as an instructional tool new material should be presented in small units. Complex topics with lots of details should be avoided at all. Guidance can be provided through narratives and/or analogies relevant to the students' lives.

Confidence:
Adjust the language of the podcast to your target group. Avoid complex technical terms. Eliciting performance provides an opportunity for the student to practice new skills, e.g. in foreign language classes students can use podcasts to improve their pronunciation. Students can forward the podcasts to the instructor or swap these with peers for specific and immediate feedback.

Satisfaction:
Before bringing your podcast to an end give your students the opportunity for a final assessment. The assessment questions can be linked to the learning objectives presented at the beginning of the podcast. Since podcasts are downloaded to the students' MP3 players they can review lectures any time and thus enhance retention and recall.