Recording podcasts

The University of Helsinki currently has podcast equipment in two locations for staff to use on their own. One is located in the Unitube studio at the Viikki Info Centre Korona and the other in the Kaisa House's podcast room 6021. Both systems include a RØDECaster Pro recorder and four RØDE PodMic microphones, which allow the recording of four speakers. Headphones are also provided for each participant.

Primarily, recording is thought to be done on the recorder's memory card, from where the recordings can be transferred to the user's own computer via a USB cable. When recording to a memory card, each audio source is recorded on its own track, making it easier to edit the recording afterwards. Alternatively, you can connect the device to your computer via USB and make a recording using an application of your choice (e.g. Audacity). In this case, the features available depend on the software and computer you use.  In addition to the four microphones, the podcasting equipment can also record audio via Bluetooth or USB, so you can also have participants on the call, for example via a phone call or a Zoom connection.

Like Unitube studios, the podcast equipment is also designed to be self-service, thanks to its ease of use. However, it is possible to receive an introduction to the equipment by contacting the Educational Technology Services (opetusteknologia@helsinki.fi) in good time.

Check the instructions for use of the recording equipment: 

• Virtual visit and instruction guide for Kaisa's RØDECaster Pro 2 recorder
• Instruction guide for the Kaisa House's RØDECaster Pro 2 recorder
• Instruction guide for the Viikki's RØDECaster Pro recorder

Reservation of the podcast rooms

Staff can book rooms via the Outlook calendar. The most reliable way is to invite the room as a participant. If you receive a message that you are not authorised to book the room in question, please contact opetusteknologia@helsinki.fi. In some circumstances, we are able to grant temporary access to members of university community who are not staff members of the University.

The Kaisa House, 6021, podcast-room

The address of the room in the Outlook calendar is kaisa-talo.6021@helsinki.fi. Note: The Alexandria caretakers will open the door.

Opening hours:

• Mon-Fri: 8-20
• Sat: 11-17
• Sun: closed

Info Centre Korona, 2026, Unitube-studio 

The address of the room in the Outlook calendar is infokeskus.2026@helsinki.fi. Viikki Info Centre's caretakers will open the door during the building's opening hours. See also the section on booking studios in the Unitube studios guide.  

Opening hours:

• Mon-Thu: 8-20
• Fri: 8-18
• Sat: 10-16
• Sun: closed

Other services

• More info on podcasts in Flamma from the communications department.
• You can also use Soc&kom's audiovisual studio. About the studio usage can be found on Flamma.

Podcasts are online audio recordings that listeners can listen to on a podcast's website, through an app on their own device or from a podcast service.

Podcasts can be talks, group discussions or interviews. Here, educational podcasts refer to audio files used in teaching. Podcasts are a versatile and effective form of teaching material that supports learning. We will now look at why podcasts have taken over the field of learning.

Listening is a natural and effective way to learn. Audio content can be particularly useful for those who learn best by listening. Podcasts can also improve listening comprehension and concentration, which is valuable in all areas of learning.

Podcasts diversify learning events. They can be listened to anytime, anywhere - at home, on the commute, on a jog or even while cooking. This makes them particularly attractive for busy students and professionals who want to make the most of their time.

A podcast can offer the views and experiences of a range of experts, allowing you to approach a topic from different angles. This can promote critical thinking and a deeper understanding of the issue.

Podcasts are relatively easy and cost-effective to produce and distribute. This allows teachers and institutions to create and distribute new types of learning materials quickly and easily.

Finally, it is worth noting that students can also contribute to making the podcasts themselves, which will develop their communication skills.

Using podcasts in education can be very effective, but it requires careful planning. Here are some key things that teachers should consider when designing a course that uses podcasts:

• Set clear learning objectives that you want to achieve through podcasts. What knowledge and skills should students learn by listening to podcasts?
• Plan how to integrate podcasts into the wider curriculum. Consider how they support other learning materials and activities.
• When making podcasts for a course, take into account the learning objectives and the teaching focus of the course.
• Teach students effective listening strategies. This can include taking notes, identifying key ideas and critical thinking while listening.
• Plan activities and tasks to help students process and apply what they hear. This could include discussions, group work, essays or creative projects.
• Make sure that all students have access to the technology they need and know how to use it. This could include guidance on how to download and listen to podcasts on different devices.
• Plan a realistic schedule for listening to podcasts and related tasks. Ensure that students have enough time to listen and process the content.
• Define how you will assess student learning based on the podcasts. This can include both formative and summative assessment. Also provide feedback to help students improve.
• Think about how you can keep your students motivated and engaged. This can include interesting and topical subjects, interactive elements and opportunities for student involvement.
• Be aware of copyrights and make sure that you use materials in podcasts legally (e.g. theme music). Address also ethical issues, source criticism and other media education topics.

Taking these factors into account will help create a pedagogically effective course that uses podcasts to engage students.