Private podcast technology developed by an Australian company – and key in the World Health Organization’s community of learning advice for schools – is being offered free to schools worldwide. Podcast platform Whooshkaa’s new technology, enables businesses, schools and groups to broadcast audio to specified listeners. The technology uses any existing podcast app on any smartphone, but the audio is exclusively available to those granted access by the podcaster.

“We created this as an internal communications tool to inform and engage employees – particularly those working remotely”, said Whooshkaa Founder and CEO Robert Lowenthal. “But we can see it has enormous potential to support students and schools through this period of global upheaval.

“The WHO says academic podcasts are a key plank in continuity of learning plans. Whooshkaa will set up free Professional private podcast packages for schools from kindergarten to year 12, across Australia and right around the world.”

Whooshkaa has teamed up with RØDE to provide all schools who take part in the initiative with free podcast packages to distribute content to students.

RØDE Founder and Chairman Peter Freedman AM said using the RØDECaster Pro Podcast Production Studio and Whooshkaa technology will allow teachers and administrators to record podcasts to deliver entire lessons, allocate homework, explain course material or give daily updates to parents.

“You don’t have to be an audio expert to use it, and in the case of a school closure, it’s an ideal wiay to give students access to educational content, “ Mr. Freedman said.

With leading epidemiologists such as the Harvard Center for Disease Dynamics’ William Hanage warning that “everyone who can work from home should work from home,” Whooshkaa envisages secure podcasts being used to maximize productivity and drive business community.