Task Ten - Podcasts

Podcasting; a term coined by Apple Mac, has become a popular method of communicating audio and occasionally video files via the Internet to iPods. Surfers subscribe to podcasts through e-programs like iTunes, allowing them to receive updates and new instalments on a regular basis. Using sites such as podcast.com allows surfers to receive files at a negligible cost.


Podcasts are used for various means, mainly to entertain i.e. radio talk shows or audio versions of televsion series, some however, for example http://www.japanesepod101.com/ are used as educational tools.

Entering the site for the first time bring up the subsricption page (shown) this states important information about the site and it's podcast, inluding a step-by-step guide to subscribing and downloading. The overall layout reflects the site's Japanese theme - colour scheme mirrors that of the Japanese flag. The top bar allows subscribers to log in; redirecting them to the podcast index list from which they can choose to download. This index list can be search through using a criteria-based search engine (e.g. most recent, beginner level). Alternatively members can download a series based on ability, topic and time, or select the 'premium feed' option which will configure iTunes to download learning material as it is made availible. Archive podcasts are also accessible on a right hand bar, displaying podcasts since december 2005. The site also suppliers users with lesson notes and a 'Kanji-close up' (helping subscribers to learn the written language). A learning centre, containing testing and written is also availible to access with subscription.

Although Japanesepod101 charges subscribers to download podcasts, it has a free 7-day trial period and offers to give back unsatisfied subscribers the monetary value of their remaing subscription.