Introduction to Podcasts

Introduction to Podcasts

Hello. My name is Jeff Cook, and I’m one of the tutors that works in the Center for Access and Transition, a place I will often refer to as the CAT.. I tutor writing, and I spend most of my time in Sander Hall room 110, the tutoring center.
In this podcast, I’ll be explaining…. Well… podcasts. I’ll tell what they are, what they are not, and how to get the most out of them.
So lets begin.

What is a podcast?
A podcast is a downloadable sound file that can be played on a computer or an mp3 player. The podcasts will cover topics in writing and mathematics that students in the CAT courses struggle with.
Each of these podcasts will include an explanation of a concept, the reason why the concept is important, and some instructions for students to follow while they listen. After listening to a podcast, opportunities to practice applying this concept will be given.
Ok. To review. We are going to explain a thing, tell you why it’s important, then give you a chance to practice it.

Now lets talk about what a podcast isn’t.
A podcast is not a homework helper. We will not be covering how to do a specific paper for a specific teacher. We will be covering general ideas in writing and math.
A podcast isn’t a teacher. You cannot ask it questions or receive feedback from it. Learning something new is almost impossible without the chance to do that.
A podcast isn’t a substitute for a professor’s explanation. Since your professor gives the grades in your class, you would be crazy to skip class and think this will make up for what you lost. We might not explain a concept the same way as a professor.
Do you hear me? you’d be crazy to think that is a substitute for a professor’s explanation.
A podcast is a way to get reminded of what you already know. When a professor covers a subject and you can’t remember how they explained it, turn on a podcast.

A podcast is like getting golf tips from tiger woods.
A podcast is like getting swimming tips from Michael Phelps.
A podcast is like getting guitar playing tips from Eric Clapton.
A podcast is some advice from an expert. Just listening to it won’t help you much.
Just listening to a podcast is like watching tiger woods play. It won’t make you a better golfer. It’s like watching other people exercise. It won’t help you lose weight.
In order to get the most out of these. You will need to do three things. You will need to remind yourself of what you already know about the topic. You will need to take notes while the podcast plays, then you’ll need to try to apply the concept to your specific class.
In other words, this is a recipe. But you have to do the cooking.
With these podcasts, you will have all the basic information you need to succeed in the CAT writing and math courses. It will be available to you at anytime, from anywhere with internet access.
So look over the list of available podcasts. Ask yourself, “ is this a concept I know well?”
Then get to work.