Once again, the HP people are leading the rest of us to the promised land; this time, they’re the first I’ve heard of to make their PTA meetings available via podcast for parents who can’t make the meetings, according to a story in today’s DMN. The plan was hatched by a couple of PTA presidents and a principal, started with a single iPod and microphone and has grown to include additional iPods and microphones to better amplify the sound of the meeting. The hope is that making the meetings available to non-attendees might boost interest in the PTA and, ultimately, boost attendance, but even if people don’t show up, as long as they’re listening to the podcasts, they’re more involved. It’s a good idea, and if anyone out there is interested in trying it and needs some help, check with us for more information about the technical aspects (not the "free iPod" aspects) of the project; Jeff is actually a podcast expert of sorts and has been doing podcasts for a couple of years.