MADISON, Wis. -- Technology takes UW teachers and students to a whole new level.

Cashing in on the popularity of mp3 players, UW professors are now producing their own podcasts. These mp3 files provide educators with an opportunity to talk about more than can be discussed in class. Containing music, speech and interviews the files are meant to help students gain a better understanding of the material.

Tim Osswald teaches a plastics course in mechanical engineering. This is the first semester he's used podcasts but said so far they've been successful.

"One thing is for sure," he said, "the students who have listened to them the first thing I get out of them is a smile."

In addition to information, Osswald adds a personal touch to his podcast with music and humor. "It does become a more intimate link with students," he said.

Richard Elkins is one of Osswald's students. He's used the podcasts since they first began and said, "It's been helpful."

"When I'm working out and sticking in my earbud, it feels like he's right there giving me information I'd normally have to go to office for hours to find out," says Elkins.

Osswald is able to produce the podcasts thanks to an $800 engage award he received from UW's DoIT center. The award was given to 80 professors on campus to help in the purchase of recording equipment necessary to produce the podcasts.

"Students are already using Itunes and they have Ipods so it just makes the files come to them in a way that fits with what they want to do," said Jan Cheetham, a DoIT consultant.

With podcasts becoming even more popular, expect to see more professors offering it in the future. Next year Cheetham said video podcasts will be available. These could be videos of the lectures themselves, supplemental videos or graphs and charts.