The Ultimate Guide to Podcasting

What is

• Podcasting is a digital recording of a radio broadcasting or program that is made available on the internet. This recording is downloaded to a digital audio file that is created, shared , and heard.

• Podcasts can contain a mixture of voices, music, sounds, video and photos. Podcasts are portable or can reside on MP3 players and can go anywhere. Podcasts can range in length from a few minutes to a few hours.

Two types of Podcasts

• One is the enhanced podcast. This podcast is an audio that includes images and URLs. They are displayed on a computer screen or a media player.

• The other is video casts which are audio and video.

History of Podcasting• Podcasting would not be possible without these new

developments.• internet has emerged tremendously since the mid 90s.• Weblogs started to appear (blogging became popular)• RSS feed was created by Dave Winer• Audio blogging (recording themselves speaking)• Podcast Cher software by Adam Curry• MP3 (allows people to take their music with them)Apple iPod• The word Podcast was discovered on February 12,2004, by

Ben Hamersley.• New podcasting technologies continue to grow and new ideas

are formed.Podcasting is moving at the speed of light!

1.There are two ways that Podcasting is used as an educational tool.

•Listening

•Creating

Accessing Podcasts

• To listen to a podcast, you will use an MP3 player, I Pod, or a computer with an audio player.

• Listen to this video to help you understand what Podcasting is.

• Common Craftvideo Podcasting in Plain English.

• http://www.commoncraft.com/podcasting

Reasons to use Podcasts

• People are quickly connected to the world in many ways. Podcasts give learners access to information and gives this information in exciting new ways.Students actively participate in creations of podcasts.

Other reasons for using podcasts in the library are to:

• Promote the library with storytelling, newsletters, and writing podcasts.

• Use student products to share learning (student-produced podcasts).

• Share school news and get the community involved especially in the use of technology.

• Provide professional development such as writing book reviews, tutorials, and discussions.

Advantages in Podcasts

• Files can be viewed or listened to any time. You do not have to be on a computer to assess files.

• Podcasting is a valuable tool for students who want to review or understand lessons to improve. Audio files and videos are helpful for studying and working.

• Files are inexpensive. They may be uploaded to any website.

• Students are motivated. • With a podcast students can be contacted

anytime. Podcasts do not have expiration dates.

Disadvantages in Podcasts

• Materials must have audio or video files to be fully accessible.

• Uploading files can be time-consuming.• Large files require broadband connection

and will be difficult for those who have slow dial-up connections.

• The file format might not be compatible to all MP3 players and iPods.

• Students might produce less work because of distractions such as watching movies or listening to music.

There are three steps in the podcasting process

2. An RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is uploaded

to the web.

3. The pod catcher, which is an application

that reads the RSS feeds, downloads the

audio file.

1. An audio file is uploaded to

the web.

Create a Podcast1. Gather hardware and software •Micro phone •Computer(recording and editing software) speakers.•RSS feed (free online services that can create podcast feeds)2. Decide on content such as a template, theme music, images, and text (such as an introduction, breaks, and a conclusion). 3. Make sure you are copyright-compliant. 4. Practice until the session flows smoothly. 5. Record the podcast using the software.

5. Test the podcast by listening to it and share it with others.

6. Publish the podcast by linking the file to a web site with an RSS feed or download manually. Share the podcast and submit on a Podcast directory service such as Podcast. net or iTunes Music Store. Podcast Alley, or Podcast Pickle. Test it so it actually works.

7. Promote the podcast by advertising within the school and encourage others to subscribe.

8. Evaluate and adjust your template. Make changes if needed.

Examples of podcasts in a library

• With creativity and encouragement, librarians can enhance student learning by embracing podcasting and other emerging technologies.

• Podcasting calls for editing, oral reading, and presentation skills. Teachers are finding that Web 2.0 applications such as podcasts and video-sharing sites move learning beyond the walls of the classroom.

Here are some examples:

• Storytelling for children or visually-impaired.

• Newsletters• Writing creative Podcasts• Book talks and book reviews• Student podcasts can include interviews

with peers, community members, and authors.

• Dramatizations of students’ creative writing• Reading of books to demonstrate skills

More examples

• Introductory lessons • Tutorials• Commercials• Model speeches• Replay highlights of games

Other examples

• Self-guided walking tours

• Band clips

• Talk shows-sport casts

• Training for teachers

• Music shows