More students are downloading audio lectures now than ever before. Susan Smith Nash over at E-Learning Queen recently published an article examining the podcast lecture phenomenon and explaining the many uses of podcasts in education:

"With iTunesU and the debut of the iPhone, the number of individuals who download lectures and other educational audio to mobile devices has skyrocketed. iTunesU, which started rather modestly in 2006, now hosts educational content for dozens of colleges and universities. At this point, more than 10 million downloads have been tracked (iTunesU, 2007). This fall, when most people go to class, the number is expected to reach an all-time high, for those attending face-to-face classes and also those who are taking online courses..."

According to the article, educational podcasts can be used for textbook supplements, lecture notes, course content, research paper guidance, and student involvement. Check it out here: The Best Uses of Educational Podcasts.