Podcasting technology has also penetrated higher education outside of the classroom. Kaplan, a test preparation company that specializes in preparing students for college and graduate school entrance exams, has begun incorporating podcasts into some of its programs. The company offered free podcast analyses of the LSAT exams that were made available the same day as the test in November and December of 2005.
According to Ben Baron, Kaplan's vice president of graduate programs, the podcasts have offered a unique service to students.
"Individuals taking their LSATs on those given days were able to essentially return from having taken the test during the day and we already had a podcast put together with information we had learned about the exam," Baron said. "We also had advice about effective test tactics and pacing strategies for the exam itself as well as some fun information about test rituals and the like."
Baron said the program has proven to be immensely popular: The LSAT podcast has been downloaded 15,000 times so far. According to Baron, the podcasts allow Kaplan to provide students the same information it always has provided, but in a more efficient manner.
"Instant analysis wasn't so instant if you go back 10 or 20 years or so," Baron said. Prior to podcasts, Kaplan used to offer test analysis through a Web site or a newsletter.
Baron said he anticipates that Kaplan will extend its technology to its other programs in the near future.
"I fully anticipate that we'll be releasing podcasts for other student populations, including general grad school, medical school MCAT prep, high school students looking at colleges and medical students pursuing careers," Baron said. "We're always looking to find ways to leverage what is the latest technology with our ultimate goal of just providing information to students."
Baron said Kaplan has already begun producing a podcast for MBA students looking at business schools with analysis of the hiring landscape from business school representatives.
As for what the future of podcasting will be in education, Baron said it's hard to predict.
"It certainly qualifies as an added tool. In terms of how we incorporate it into our courses, that really remains to be seen," he said. "I think it's a little early to tell right now what the future of podcasting will be."
