Podcasting may become a useful teaching tool, but its value depends on the listening environment.

That's according to visiting Canadian education specialist Dr Gary Poole, who queries the value of listening to lectures in noisy or busy places.

Dr Poole says examples from the University of British Columbia which have more potential include the use of Podcasting to guide fieldtrips, or to explain displays.

"The value of Podcasting may well hinge upon the context in which the listening takes place ... we need to think beyond the earbuds," he said.

"The distraction issue still applies when Podcasts are accessed in busy environments.

Dr Poole is yet to be convinced that Podcast lectures, as they are currently conceived, are not an example of technology driving pedagogy.

The co-author of 'Effective Teaching with Technology in Higher Education', will deliver a keynote address to Central Queensland University's 2007 Learning and Teaching Showcase, which is being held on February 22-23.

The Showcase will be held at CQU Rockhampton, with video links to other regional and Australian International Campuses.

Sessions from the showcase will be streamed live via the website, http://learning.cqu.edu.au/showcase2007/ .