Podcast teacher version

For Teachers @ Mt Alvernia College

A podcast is a series of recordings available on the internet that are intended for use with a digital media device.

The name is a combination of two words – iPod and broadcast although it is technically inaccurate (you do not need an iPod).

The difference between a podcast and an mp3 is the way in which the user receives the file (through an RSS feed for podcasts).

Technically, today we’re learning to make mp3s.

Methods to record a sound file:Using a microphone or headsetUsing a sound recording deviceYou can also use a mobile phone although getting the files off may require a little fiddling

◦ Eg iPhone – email to yourself; download; convert file type (takes about 1 minute depending on size).

◦ http://media-convert.com/ (converts online for free)

Choose a method that works for you today and find a friend or 2.

Hold power button down to turn on or

offUse the

record and stop buttons

Slider on the back to push

out USB

Insert the USB into the computer Locate your file Copy the sound file to your user drive

If you used your phone and need help see me

You’re ready to edit

Do delete a portion◦ Use the select tool ( I ) to select what you don’t

want◦ Hit delete on your keyboard

To Move a selection◦ Use the time shift tool to drag it into place ( )

To rearrange the order of parts◦ Select the part to remove◦ Edit > Cut◦ Project > New Audio Track > Click in new track >

Paste (Time shift to move things around)

Add a song◦ Project > Import Audio◦ Select the part you want > Cut ◦ Project > New Audio Track > Paste◦ Press the (X) on the song you no longer want to

remove it Fade Out

◦ Select from where you want the fade to start to the end of the clip

◦ Effects > Fade out

File > Export as MP3◦ NOTE: if you are using Audacity on the computer

for the first time it will ask you for the LAME encoder.

You can now upload your mp3 file to Moodle for your students to locate easily.

Record yourself for students who are absent◦ If you have an IWB make a pdf of what you have

written on the board as well.◦ Ensure that you say out loud what you are writing

on the board◦ Ensure you clearly state the URL (www….) of any

webpages you visit◦ It may not be quite as good as being there but it

is as close as the students can get!

Record complex explanations◦ Have you ever spent time explaining all the things

students need to do for their assignment but they switched off half way through and then came back and blamed you for not telling them?

◦ Record your explanation Better student outcomes because they can refer to

the recording when they are actually doing the assignment

And no more excuses!

Student collaborationWe all know the girls like to have a chat…◦Surveys are not the only way to gather information from other students – they can interview each other◦Everyone researches a part of the topic

Each student records their findings – students edit the parts together

Even better - they interview each other to find out what was learnt (and learn themselves in the process)

Everyone reads on the topic and then record themselves having a conversation about their findings.

Student Assessment◦ Many students are very nervous speaking in front

of a crowd◦ Using an mp3 file allows students to record and

re-record until they are happy with their outcome◦ You won’t need to use up 3-4 lessons listening to

all those orals back to back – you can do it in the car on your way to work instead (ha ha maybe not)

You are only limited by your

imagination

Sorry but you droning on about a topic for 10 minutes probably isn’t going to excite your students

Instead, prepare some questions and have someone else ask them (then edit in your answers – like you were interviewed)

Get a peer who knows about the topic to sit and have a professional conversation with you

Interview someone who works in the field

Start by making your own a few times until you feel comfortable with the process.

Arrange the use of the digital recorders◦ The Business and Technology department currently has

7 digital recorders.◦ Many students also have digital recorders on their

mobile phones which are already there in your room and so do many of you! (Remember to use silent so it doesn’t ring)

Use the resources on the next page to teach your students how to use audacity.

Sit back and watch Louisa go! (okay she may need some help from time to time)

Atomic Learning◦ www.atomiclearning.com◦ Your username is your school email address ◦ Your default password is 123456 (please change this

after you log in the first time)◦ Student username: mtalvernia password: college

A Short Teacher Tube Video◦ http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?

video_id=127652&title=Creatign_a_Basic_Podcast_Using_Audacity&vpkey=

Paper Instructions◦ http://www.slideshare.net/Marcus9000/how-to-use-

audacity-guide-handout