April 26, 2006
L & T Conf - Steve Armstrong - Enhancing the Brand Through Podcasts
Background
Move away from mass broadcast.
Origins of podcasting in blogging (audio blogging).
Syndication via feeds, subscription model etc. etc.
Enhancing the brand
Podcasts good for:
- language learning
- facilitate self-paced learning
- support students with disabilities
- record conversations from Skype (e.g. using Audacity)
- richer learning environment
Brand - not just the logo 
More about, products, services, organisation
OU well known for its BBC relationship [e.g. check out &Open2.etc]
Advertising plays a role in communicating the brand, but so does student experience (word of mouth marketing follws etc.)
Perceived values about brand.
Brainstorming for podcast content ideas:
- user survey on contentious issues (e.g. ID cards), invite users to compare their responses [?community podcast network?]
- tantalising facts
- tools/tricks of the trade
Follow up activities - quizzes, diagnostics, tasters etc.
Potential benefits -
- make OU more attractive to younger students
- filler content (improve retention) between registration and start dates
- enhance relationship with BBC
- exploit current debates
- add to learning variety
- potentially low cost (e.g. free persoanl audio tools etc.) [but what about production values?;-)]
Subscription also supports videoblogging/vlogging/videocasting.
Podcast to mobile devices.