Student Voices Online: Podcasts as a Department Marketing Tool
Kim Gregson
Ithaca College
http://profkim.blogspot.com/
High school students are increasingly using the Internet to investigate colleges before applying or visiting, according to several articles in The Chronicle of Higher Education. They’re looking for some indication of interesting programs and fun activities, as well as future employment possibilities. They also are looking for some indication that colleges are “cool,” and innovative features on the home page are one measure of coolness.
Podcasts are an easy way for departments to display their technical prowess without a lot of technical infrastructure. Free software and hosting websites make it possible for lots of people to try them out. They also let a department connect with another trend - letting students speak directly to prospective freshmen.
This semester I decided to make podcasts to promote the Television-Radio department. This presentation tells about our efforts, how we involved students at all levels and from several majors, and how we’re promoting the podcasts on a special blog with photos and show notes. The comment feature was enabled and posts encourage readers to contact us with any questions. We’ve also added a map where they can put a “pin” to show where they live.
View the screencast presentation (17:31; .mov).