Learn on the Go: The Essential Educator's Guide to Podcasts

From Matt Miller at Ditch That Textbook:

Listen on the go. Find podcasts on almost any topic and download them to your device. It’s a great way to improve as an educator. (Public domain photo via Unsplash)

Podcasts are my lifeblood for generating new ideas, processing the ideas I already have and entertainment. They’re like radio shows on virtually any topic under the sun. Actually, they’re better than radio shows because you don’t have to tune in at a specific time. You download them and listen to them on your phone/tablet/device or you listen to them online.

In education, there are hundreds (maybe thousands) of podcasts.

• In some, educators interview educators. In others, educators talk directly to you.
• Some offer practical ideas you can use in the classroom. Others seek to inspire and encourage.
• Some are serious. Others are lighthearted and funny.

The reality that many people don’t realize is that they’re very easy to access and listen to. And once you find some that you really like, you’ll feel like you have this quasi-relationship with the host and you’ll want to listen to every single episode.

There’s no better time than now — International Podcast Day is just days after the publication of this post. (Thanks to Chris Nesi of House of EdTech for the heads-up.)

Want to give it a shot? Here’s your essential educator’s guide to listening to podcasts:

Accessing podcasts

There are two main ways to access podcasts: downloading them to a mobile device or playing them through an Internet browser.

Downloading to a mobile device

To download and play podcasts, all you really need to do is download a podcast app (also called a “podcatcher”). Here are some options:

For iOS (iPhone/iPad), Apple’s Podcasts app is the easiest place to get started. Just search the App Store for “podcasts” and you’ll find it. Other iOS podcast apps include:

• Overcast (free, recommended by The Verge as the best podcast app for the iPhone)
• If you’re looking for something other than Apple’s Podcasts app or Overcast, here’s a list of 10 podcatchers from Tom’s Guide.

For Android devices, I’ve used the BeyondPod app (app / website) for years. I invested the $4.99 for the full-featured version because I like the customizable playlists and its intuitive controls. There is a free lite version with a seven-day trial with all of the paid features. Other Android podcast apps include:

• Pocket Casts ($3.99, recommended by The Verge as the best podcast app for Android)
• A free option is Player FM (recommended by GreenBot)

Pro tip for Android users: Want to earn free money to spend in the Play Store? Google Opinion Rewards pays you Play Store credits to take surveys. I get surveys every few days and earn anywhere from 10 cents to $1 for my responses. I currently have about $17 in credits sitting in my account. (Maybe I should buy a new podcatcher and test it out, huh?)

Playing podcasts in an Internet browser

Many podcasts have their own websites where you can find new episodes. Just click “play” on a given episode to play it in your browser without having to download apps or download audio files.

Finding podcasts

Adding a podcast to your shiny new podcatcher app is easy. Most have a search feature (often a magnifying glass icon). Simply search for the name of a specific podcast or a keyword (like “educational technology”).

If you’re new to listening to podcasts, here’s my best suggestion: check out the BAM Radio Network. They offer dozens of different shows, so there’s likely one you’ll like. Plus, shows are only about 10-12 minutes long, which fit nicely into a commute to or from work. They just added nine new shows this summer (see my post for list and links).

I don’t just mention BAM Radio Network because co-host Jed Dearybury and I have an EXCELLENT podcast there. (We, in fact, do … it’s called “HookED” and it’s about creating engaging lessons and hooking kids in our content. Check it out here … shameless plug …)  I mention BAM because the broad offerings and short segments make it a fantastic entry point to podcasting.

Other great education podcasts include:

• The Google Educast — Tips, tricks, news and ideas for using Google in the classroom.
• House of EdTech — Host Chris Nesi interviews educators and offers recommendations for technology in the classroom.
• Angela Watson’s Truth for Teachers — Angela speaks life, encouragement and truth into the minds and hearts of educators.
• Cult of Pedagogy — Host Jennifer Gonzalez discusses the psychological and social dynamics of school, trade secrets and more.
• Principally Speaking — Jason Bodnar (a friend and fellow Hoosier) encourages and equips school administrators, especially those new to leading schools.
• TechEducator Podcast — Hosts (which include TeacherCast founder Jeff Bradbury and a host of others) interview and discuss integrating technology in the classroom.
• Bedley Brothers — Scott and Tim Bedley interview a wide range of educators and discuss issues that affect teachers every day.
• The EPT Podcast — Host Adnan Iftekhar discusses education, productivity and technology with guests.
• Edu All-Stars — Hosts Chris Kesler and Todd Nesloney interview the movers and shakers in the education realm.
• Wired Educator — Host Kelly Croy focuses on education, technology and lifestyle in interviews with various educators.
• Teacher Talk — Zack Clancy focuses on a different educational topic in each episode and interviews influencers in that area.

Here are some podcasts that I love that aren’t education-focused:

• TED Radio Hour — Each episode includes highlights from TED Talks that connect with the episode’s theme. Host Guy Raz interviews TED speakers and plays clips from their talks.
• This Is Your Life — Michael Hyatt discusses what he calls “intentional leadership”. The show’s goal: live with more passion, work with greater focus and lead with extraordinary influence.
• The 5AM Miracle — The slogan: “dominate your day before breakfast.” Host Jeff Sanders discusses healthy habits, personal development, high energy and productivity.

Are you new to podcasts? Jump in and try one today. Download a podcast app on your smartphone or just click through to one of the websites linked above. Start listening, and I think you’ll be hooked — just like me!