Coronavirus: Sheffield podcast company offers free service to allow schools and universities to teach remotely

Rebel Base Media, a podcast recording studio based at Sheffield Technology Parks on Arundel Street, has said it will allow schools and universities to use its Captivate software to record private audio should they need.

In doing so, teachers and lecturers will be able to record lessons remotely which can then be accessed by parents at home, or students themselves, so children and young people will not miss out on their education in the event of school or university closures.

Ordinarily, the software is used to make podcasts for Apple and Spotify, but instead, teachers and lecturers can choose to make their audio files private and just share the link with those in their class.

Co-founder of Rebel Base Media, Mark Asquith, said: “All the kids in my family are being affected by the coronavirus and it looks like some schools could be closing soon.

“Education is still required even if they do close so this offers parents a different way to access the right information they need should they have to teach their children at home.”

Rebel Base Media was founded by Mark Asquith and Kieran McKeefery in 2015, to help podcasters to find their unique voice and build their influence.

Last year the company launched Sheffield’s first-ever fully soundproofed podcasting studio in the heart of the city, fitted with equipment to allow people to remotely record multi-channel audio which they can distribute to others.

It also works with thousands of people and organisations across the world, including Apple and Spotify, as well as those in the banking sector.

The news comes after the University of Sheffield announced it would suspend face-to-face teaching from Monday, March 16, after a staff member tested positive for coronavirus.

Sheffield Hallam University also implemented the same measure on Monday, March 16, following new government advice on how to limit the spread of coronavirus, stating it would also be transitioning to remote working for all staff.

For more information or to use the Captivate software email: [email protected].