Time issues

I loved the idea of podcasts in a classroom. I especially loved the Famous American activity we did, as that is a unit I teach. However, I struggle with whether it is realistic. I constantly feel the stress of SOL's and eCART tests in my school and trying to receive passing scores. The idea of podcasts is great, but its undeniable. Whenever technology is involved the time needed to teach the unit increases. How do we fight the time issue?