Virtually all higher education institutions are now offering online classes, not to mention the many non-school institutions and companies that leverage e-learning to make materials more accessible. If you're not familiar with e-learning, it is the use of Web-based materials and curriculum for the purpose of education, seminars and training.

The latest trend to hit e-learning is the use of Podcasting and RSS. This concept not only makes delivering and receiving content more convenient, it can also significantly reduce the costs for both the educator and the student.

Podcasts are a convenient and portable way of delivering content, which means there is a reduced dependency on materials like binders, texts, lecture notes or videos. Instead, for a low production cost, companies are able to turn their curriculum or training into downloadable audio files.

This isn't just for the higher-education industry; businesses have also found Podcasting highly effective for delivering information. Sales managers are using audio files to train their sales force on new products and services, and human resources use them to educate employees on codes, policies and insurance information.

What makes Podcasting so ideal is the ability to create content that reaches people when and where they are. Podcasts can be played from a computer, or listened to on-the-go, using an MP3 player. By adding RSS feeds, students are able to subscribe to a content feed and be automatically alerted when new materials are available. RSS makes staying on top of new lesson plans both timely and simple

While it would wonderful to get rid of those expensive physical materials, this concept may not be realistic for all organizations. Many times, Podcasts can serve as supplementary materials designed to make course materials more accessible and convenient.

Using audio files to support physical materials can improve the retention of the materials, particularly for auditory learners. In the case of recorded classroom materials, students are able to focus their attention, rather than scrambling to take detailed notes. Knowing that they will be able to refer to a recording of the lecture frees them to be more attentive during presentations.

Podcasts can be used to provide students with supplemental content that may not be necessary, but would add value to the curriculum. Of course, instructors could make the content mandatory. Using RSS would allow the added materials to be pushed to students without needing to update them directly.

Audio content can be easily integrated with blogs and online information. Instructors could offer a Podcast to support the written content on a website. For example, a company might maintain a blog-style website for their content. Blending in Podcasts offers students another channel for receiving information.

Companies could get started with Podcasting by simply creating Podcasts out of their existing course materials, making audio versions available as supplemental content. When instructors are comfortable with the technology, they can move to create Podcast-based curriculums, complete with RSS.

It must be said that quality is king, especially when the content is educational. Aside from the content of the audio, quality will be what makes or breaks your Podcasts. If students have to struggle to hear your audio, then your Podcast venture will be a failure. Be certain that you hire a reputable company to produce your Podcasts and develop RSS feeds in order to achieve the best end-result from your mobile learning projects.