MIT's One Billion Learners: Where Podcasting Fits In

How does podcasting fit into MIT’s goal of reaching one billion learners? In this episode of Continuing Studies, Neil and Jen talk with Mary Ellen Wiltrout from MIT about MIT Learn, open learning, and how podcasts can make world-class expertise feel more accessible and human. Mary Ellen shares how MIT is experimenting with podcasts, short videos, and other formats to reach learners beyond traditional courses, and why audio can help audiences connect with the people behind the research. They also discuss Beyond Biology, storytelling in science, measuring impact beyond downloads, and how podcasting can spark curiosity, open doors, and remind listeners that even MIT experts are real people with unexpected paths. Episode Links: Learn more about MIT DELTA Connect with Mary Ellen Wiltrout Listen to Beyond Biology Listen to our episode with Brett Paci of MIT OpenCourseWare Connect with Us: Share Feedback & Ask Questions: [email protected] Learn More: Continuing Studies Podcast Follow: Continuing Studies LinkedIn Page Join LinkedIn Group: University Podcasters Network Connect w/ Jen: LinkedIn or  [email protected]  Connect w/ Neil:  LinkedIn or [email protected] Twitter:  @namcphedran / @podiumpodcastco Youtube HigherEdPods Chapters: (00:00) - Introduction (02:35) - Meet Mary Ellen Wiltrout (02:58) - From biology to online learning (08:21) - What is MIT DELTA? (10:12) - MIT’s one billion learners goal (12:39) - Where podcasting fits in (14:04) - Making MIT feel more human (16:20) - Building the MIT Learn Podcast Network (18:51) - Beyond Biology (21:23) - Measuring impact beyond downloads (24:41) - Conclusion