State utilizes podcasting

The Indiana Department of Education has created a podcast as a way to keep Indiana residents up-to-date with happenings in the field of education.

Podcasting became popular in 2004 and is used by individuals to pre-record audio programs that are then posted to a Web site and made available to download to other computers or mobile devices, according to www.entrepreneur.com.

The appeal of a podcast for the Indiana Department of Education is that it allows the superintendent, Dr. Tony Bennett, to talk directly to Indiana residents, said Cam Savage, director of media for the Indiana Department of Education.

“In January when he took office, Tony decided he wanted an aggressive strategy with connecting to teachers and students,” Savage said. “You have to make an attempt to reach people through the communication tools we use.”

Although podcasts get their name from Apple’s iPod, any mp3 player can download podcasts, and they can be subscribed to from other online music download programs, according to www.entrepreneur.com.

The Indiana Department of Education averages a new podcast episode about once a month and uses them to discuss what is going on throughout the department, Savage said.

Along with the podcast, the Department of Education will also set up links on their Web site that lead to the videos and also provide superintendents and principals with valuable information.

“Most link to it through our Web page,” Savage said. “But every Friday we send an e-mail to superintendents and principals and pass on other information that would be pertinent to know.”

According to Savage, the department has two new episodes that are set to come out soon that deal with issues that are pertinent in Indiana.

“We have an upcoming one on dropouts and give people more information on those programs,” Savage said. “We’re also planning one to talk about the state’s Race To The Top submission.”