Podcasting has a future in education as does most other technology.  I can see this evolving into many areas of education, not just the classroom.  It could be use to simplify communication within a school between the administrators and teaching teams. 

I could see many uses for podcasts in the classroom and beyond:

1.        Could post podcasts to class website with details for parents (early elementary) on weekly lessons.  For example, site words for the week or vocabulary words for the week.

2.       Could have tutoring type podcasts that repeat the lessons for the day or week to help students that needed a little more clarification.

3.       Could use video podcasts to share programs, shows, or activities that students were involved in to share with parents or for students to be able to view.

4.       Another use for early elementary classroom would be for the teacher to record stories for the students learning to read and they could follow along and read with the book.  This could free up the teacher to observe student reading more closely.  Students and parents could also use the podcast topractice reading at home.