What's with this thing called Podcasting?

Okay...I've been told to research everything on podcasting and be able to instruct other teachers on this new wonder. What I've seemed to find is that most people do not know how to incorporate this type of recording technique into the classroom. I have heard of teachers using it to record lesson notes. I've also heard of some using it to record tours of a historical location or of a school campus. This has made me start thinking...there has got to be other ways to use this in the classroom...so here are some of my thoughts. If you haven't taken a look at Audacity ...you should. It's a free recording software that allows the student to record and edit. Now for my ideas.

Possibly...have a readers theater. Instead of having students do skits of books or stories in front of the class they can produce a radio show like in the old days. Sound effects and all.

What about taking a speech ...such as a presidential speech . Have the student ask questions of this president and pull in the answers from the speech. Once recorded it would sound as if the student was having a live interview with the president.

(This next idea I got from a conference ....I cannot take credit for it) Have the teacher record a 5 to 10 minute recording. Instruct the student to condense this recording down to 2 to 3 minutes where the student only keeps the important main ideas. A great way to summarize.

Any ideas?? Let me know.