Listening to Podcasts

Podcasts can be a great way to learn new information. Here are a few tips to help you make the most of this resource:

• Before you begin, check to see how long the episode is. Depending on your schedule and how focused you’re feeling, it may be a good idea for you to listen to the episode in smaller chunks.
• Monitor your attention as you listen. One of the great things about podcasts is that you can do something while you listen to them, like wash the dishes or go for a run. But if you notice your mind wandering and 30 seconds to 1 minute of the episode has gone by that you cannot remember, it might be a good idea to pause and restart another time.
• Look for an episode transcript. Some podcasts offer transcripts of each episode. These can serve as a reference for what you heard and be a big timesaver. If you don’t have time to listen to the entire podcast, you can skim the transcript instead.
• Take notes. Begin by identifying the purpose for listening to the podcast. Why is it part of your coursework, and what content do you need to get out of it? As you listen or right after the episode ends, take notes to help you remember the most relevant parts.

Recording Audio

Hearing Impairments

You may find it difficult to hear audio because of your surroundings, your physical condition, or the quality of the source audio. Here are some things you can try to change the audio into text format.