Podcasts

I must admit something to you all: I've never been a big fan of podcasts. Perhaps that's because I come from a generation who created reports on IBM Selectrics (with changeable font balls) coupled with craftily cut pictures from my grandparents' lifetime stash of National Geographics.  I prefer text and pictures, allowing myself the leisurely stroll through written material--stopping and starting as I see fit. 

For me, podcasts are the musical theater of the internet: some substance, lots of bling. When they're done well, you get greatness: Phantom, Cats. When they're not, well, you get Xanadu.  

However, I'm trying to hear past the "look-at-me!" call of Podcasts to find the value they might offer. While they're still not my favorite medium, I'm beginning to recognize their place in college admissions. 

I just listened to a podcast on The College-Bound Chronicles about the new SATs and appreciated the insights Lian Dolan (mother) and Dr. Nancy Berk (author College Bound and Gagged) had about how the changes might affect the first class to take them in spring 2016. After I slipped on my noise-canceling headphones and clicked play, I found myself quickly clicking some of the links they mentioned, SAT Prep for ADHD children, and thinking about when the new test materials might come out (April 1, 2014). 

Did I leave armed with new knowledge? Sure, if by "armed" you mean outfitted with new weapons the power of squirt guns. However, I did appreciate that I was able to listen while still multi-tasking away in other applications. Plus, I must grudgingly admit I did learn some new information. However, I bet I could have learned that in print too by checking out CollegeBoard today.

Will podcasts change my life? Maybe, if I let them. In my attempt to be a little more open-minded and more  current than cutting and gluing from magazines, I'll start downloading some and listening to them in the car. Maybe then I won't mind the intrusion. Stop me though if you hear me singing along.