KM Component 41: Podcasts and Videos

Podcasts are recorded broadcasts that can be listened to online, or downloaded manually or automatically through syndication and then listened to on mobile devices at the listener’s convenience. They can be used to great advantage in a knowledge management program. 

Podcasts are available on demand or by subscription. Use podcasts for those who prefer audio, like to listen while performing other tasks, or who are not usually connected to the network and subscribe for automatic downloads of the broadcasts through syndication.

Videos are video recordings or live telecasts that be viewed online or downloaded for later viewing on mobile devices. Videos are available on demand or by subscription. Use videos for those who prefer video, when there is important visual content, or for instructing or explaining.

Podcasting, vodcasting (video podcasting), and vlogging (video blogging) are excellent ways to reach an audience that is young, mobile, and prefers listening or viewing to reading. Recording a podcast or video is inexpensive, easy, and fast. Interviews can be recorded over phone lines, using a VoIP (Voice over Internet Protocol), or using a web video tool such as Microsoft Skype or Google Hangout.

Podcasts can be delivered through several channels. An audio file in MP3 format can be posted for online listening. Syndicated subscriptions can be offered to allow automatic downloading to mobile devices. Transcripts can be posted for those who prefer reading to listening.

Many people enjoy the flexibility of being able to listen to podcasts while driving, flying, walking, running, exercising, or engaging in some other activity. The fact that through an RSS subscription a podcast can be automatically delivered without the need for a user to visit a website and take action makes it easy to keep up with a podcast series.

Use Cases

Here are examples of how to use podcasts and videos in a knowledge management program.

1. Social Software – Enable user podcasting, vodcasting, vlogging, and video channels as part of enterprise social software.
2. Syndication – Use RSS feeds for podcast subscriptions and video channels for video subscriptions.
3. Aggregation – Collect all podcasts and videos in one place.
4. Knowledge Management Training and eLearning – Videos can be helpful in showing how a process is actually performed and can be delivered through standard e-learning systems.
5. Repositories and Knowledge Bases – Include recorded interviews and video explanations along with traditional documents.
6. Web/Video/Audio Conferencing – Record conferences as a source of content for podcasts and videos. Videos can be used as one content source during web or video conferences.
7. Storytelling – Stories can be captured on podcasts and videos and then listened to or viewed repeatedly. Use storytelling in podcasts and videos to ignite action, implement new ideas, communicate who you are, instill organizational values, foster collaboration, and share knowledge. It’s an excellent way for users to share their knowledge verbally (and visually, in the case of videos) without the need to write anything down, submit any documents, or enter any data in forms. The recording and transcript provide explicit instances of the tacit knowledge and can be reused later.
8. Change Management – Recorded messages, explanations, and training can be used as part of the management of change.
9. Knowledge Capture Process – Supplement capture of documents with audio and video.
10. Knowledge Reuse Process – Use videos to enhance reuse by showing and telling what and how to reuse.
11. Lessons Learned and Proven Practices – Capture these as video and audio recordings. Showing and telling the story of how to apply lessons learned and proven practices will be easier to replicate than if they are in a written document. If you get teams to discuss lessons learned, proven practices, and success stories on podcasts and videos, the knowledge will be more effectively shared than if the same information was written down and submitted to a database. Look for ways to get people to talk about and demonstrate what they know, and others will be able to take advantage. A regular podcast series or video channel with a brand name, logo, website, theme music, and host can be a very effective element in a KM program.
12. Knowledge Management Methodologies – In addition to documenting methods and techniques, interview experts and make audio and video recordings available to better explain and show how to perform these.
13. Knowledge Management Communications – As part of a communications plan, podcasts and videos can be used to introduce a KM program, keep users updated on progress, and demonstrate ongoing management commitment. Produce interviews with the senior executive, KM team members, and satisfied users to help promote and maintain awareness.
14. Knowledge Management Documentation and KM User Assistance/Knowledge Help Desk – Create a library of videos showing how to use KM processes and tools, sharing success stories, and providing examples of each KM component used in the KM program.
15. Communities of Practice – Produce monthly podcasts featuring interviews with thought leaders, record community calls, and conduct video interviews with members at community meetings.

Examples

• Because You Need to Know  Podcast from Pioneer Knowledge Services
• Knoco Videos from Nick Milton

Content from Lucidea

• Podcasts
• Videos