Recently, U Tech Tips, a site that posts various tips and tricks for educators, compiled an interesting media survey charting the now almost ubiquitous employment of podcasting in higher education. The post discusses articles from the Chicago Sun Times, the Washington Post and the AP that address the growing academic trend.

The Sun Times surveys educators use and requirements of podcasting at US universities, taking a brief look at podcasting leaders like DePaul and Duke. Likewise, the Post conducts a fascinating examination of podcasting lectures especially available through iTunes U and reports Wright State’s plans to unveil library podcasting rooms. The University’s Head of References and Instruction for the Dunbar Library, Sue Polanka, states, “We wanted to bring what’s up-to-date, fun and common for today’s students to the library here at Wright State. Myself along with a few others came up with the idea so students can create digital files, make power point presentations or create videos using our server at the library.”

The AP reports that the University of Gloucestershire is considering assessing students through podcasts and DVD rather than traditional exams. School officials suggest that they would like to see a substantial reduction in the use of examinations at every level of the University and their replacement by more 21st-century approaches to assessment.

Consequently, the tech companies are starting to line up. Aside from providing dedicated space in iTunes, Apple has a collaborative server just for wikis, etc. Apple also now hosts free educational content not produced by universities in an initiative called Beyond Campus. In addition, Cisco has recently announced its entry into the lucrative market.