Have you ever wondered what it takes to set up and record a podcast that gets shared to the world? Well, USAO’s Communication department is introducing a course to all students for the upcoming spring trimester called Podcasting (COMM 2902). The two-credit hour class, taught by Professor of Communication Dr. J.C. Casey and Instructor of Digital Media Technology David Duncan, will run every Friday from 2:30 – 4:30 p.m.

“I believe USAO, with its amazingly diverse student body, would greatly benefit from a platform where students can express themselves in a way they haven’t been able to previously,” said Gary Jackson, a sophomore Communication major who assisted with bringing this course to life. “I’ve enjoyed tuning into podcasts growing up and I have no doubts that this course will be a hit.”

According to Oxford Languages, podcasting is “the practice of using the Internet to make digital recordings of broadcasts available for downloading to a computer or mobile device.” The main purpose is to entertain its audience by drawing them into the talk which can consist of both fictional and non-fictional storytelling. Podcasting, however, is much more than setting up a couple of microphones and having a conversation. It takes forward planning, equipment preparation, software recording, and a brand – there needs to be a target demographic and a purpose.

As the class develops over the next trimester, many of the students and instructors have expressed interest in making an official podcast for the University. Over the course of the class, the students will learn quality skills about interviewing, production, and post-production editing.

Harry Cracknel is a second-year Communication major at the University of Science and Arts of Oklahoma.