Podcasting to be taught in UK schools
If there was any doubt about the future of podcasting, an announcement in The Guardian this week that podcasting is to be taught in UK schools from September, indicates that it is fast becoming ‘mainstream’.
A vocational qualification in internet broadcasting will allow students to understand the concepts of podcasting, as well as learning how to plan and produce podcasts.
The qualification is a NCFE level 1 in podcasting and David Grailey, the NCFE’s Chief Exec said "Podcasting is fast becoming part of everyday life – vicars are delivering sermons via podcasts, police departments are delivering ‘crimewatch’ video podcasts and schools and colleges are recording lessons via podcasts. It’s therefore vital that we offer people both an understanding and the skills to utilise this technology.
The qualification has also allowed us, as an organisation, to look at the benefits of podcasts within the education market and consider future plans to deliver our qualifications and syllabus through different mediums – including podcasts."
As evangelists of this powerful form of communication, we’re delighted that more people are recognising it’s huge potential.
Posted in: General
Launch of the UK's First 'Reward' Blog
We’ve recently designed and built a new blog for our client Reward First People Consulting.
The Just Rewards Blog is the UK’s first blog dedicated to the high profile HR topic of ‘Reward’. The blog has been live for a month and the response from the HR community to date has been really positive, with some great feedback about the design and content of the site.
To check out the blog visit www.justrewardsblog.co.uk.
Posted in: General
Enhance E-learning with a Podcast
I had a really interesting meeting this week with an organisation who specialise in e-learning. They have developed a terrific ‘Dynamic Learning Environment’ product based on the Open Source software ‘Moodle‘ and it’s great to see how web 2.0 technology is being used in this way.
There is no agreed definition of e-learning, but the CIPD (Chartered Institute of Personnel and Development) describe it as ‘Learning that is delivered, enabled or mediated using electronic technology for the explicit purpose of training in organisations’.
In a recent CIPD Learning and Development Survey, more that 57% of respondents reported that they are already using e-learning and a further 27% said that they plan to do so over the next year – this strongly suggests that e-learning is becoming ‘mainstream’.
In our opinion, if you’re using or considering using e-learning, think about incorporating podcasts into your programmes – they’re a powerful way to enhance the effectiveness of your e-learning environment.
Posted in: General
The Flip Video Ultra Camcorder Makes Adding Video to Your Website Child's Play…
Launched today in the UK, is the sensational Flip Video Ultra Camcorder. The Flip is set to take this country by storm, just as it has done the USA, where it now accounts for one in eight camcorders sold there.
The camcorder is pretty basic, with standard-definition video, mono sound and a small 1.5 inch screen, minimal features and only a digital zoom function – but all that just makes it really easy to use.
Each Flip comes with a 2GB internal memory that stores about an hour of footage. Once you’ve shot your video you simply plug the Flip into any computer using its built-in USB jack – it then automatically loads software that lets you edit your movies and upload to video sharing sites like YouTube, in minutes. All it takes then are a few clicks to embed the YouTube video into your website or blog.
We heard about the Flip last summer and imported a couple from the States via ebay. I have to say, they’ve been absolutely brilliant and we use them regularly on a variety projects…I’ve found them particularly great for recording quick video trailers of my guests on Business Ears – The North West Business Podcast.
I’d definitely recommend buying a Flip – check out Amazon.co.uk where they’re retailing for £99.99 – you’ll love it!
Posted in: General
Internet Ad Spend to Outstrip TV in 2008
The internet will surpass television this year to become Britain’s largest advertising medium – that’s according to research highlighted in a recent Sunday Times article.
The research forecasts that online advertising spending will increase 26% this year to £3.56 billion. This compares with a 2.5% fall in revenue, to £3.39 billion, for television.
Also quoted in the article are some interesting stats from Deloitte’s Digital Index, launched recently, that says 19% of households regularly watch online video, up 8% from August 2007. It believes that figure could rise to more than 50% in five years’ time.
Posted in: General
