Podcasting, the innovative technology that enables music downloads on the Internet, now allows alumni to tune into Georgia Tech events wherever and whenever it's convenient.

In January, the Georgia Tech Alumni Association introduced JacketCast, a podcasting service that will provide audio downloads of alumni events, faculty lectures, college events, campus arts and more.

"Adding podcasting to our online services helps put us in touch with people outside of the Atlanta metro area who might not be able to attend a local Tech event, but are still interested in hearing what's going on," said Lora Magnuson, director of Alumni Web services.

"Recent research indicates that more than 6 million Americans have listened to podcasts. And chances are, as portable listening device sales increase, so will podcast usage. Our new JacketCast service will feature Tech events, lectures, musical performances and interviews," Magnuson said.

Convenience is the most advantageous factor in podcasting's success because it only takes minutes to download on a listening device of choice, such as a computer, MP3 player or Apple iPod.

The JacketCast Web site at http://gtalumni.org/jacketcast/ has three podcasts available: "How to Serve on a Board of Directors," presented by Women on Wednesdays Jan. 25; "Is an MBA Right for You?" featuring a Young Alumni panel Jan. 26, and "Energy: Is It Strengthening or Sapping the Economy?" presented by the Georgia Tech Alumni Network Jan. 31.

Matthew Bain, Mgt 01, information technology manager for the Alumni Association, agrees. "We're very excited about entering the realm of podcasting. It will quickly become a valuable service to our alumni in helping to keep them connected with Tech. Our ever-growing population — especially our young alumni — are already accustomed to syncing their devices and taking their media on the go."