Introduction to Podcasting
A podcast is like a radio broadcast that can be stored online, downloaded to an iPod or an Mp3 player or listened to directly from a computer. Some of them are created by students, teachers, or speakers, while others are professionally produced.
Two basic ways of using podcasts in the classroom:
1. Playing a podcast or video podcast for the class as an instructional tool
2. Creating a podcast and sharing it online
To locate podcasts:
1. If you have iTunes, click on iTunes Store, and then on Podcasts. Almost all podcast content is free.
a. You can use iTunes to browse through much of the available content. Click "subscribe" for a particular podcast to download all the FUTURE episodes to your computer. These will be stored in your "library" on iTunes for playback to your class later.
b. To subscribe to past episodes (like buying an issue of a magazine from a year ago), scroll through the available podcasts from a particular site. On the right hand tool bar (you may have to scroll across to see this), click "subscribe" and that particular episode will be downloaded for you.
2. On Google, type the subject you are interested in and the word "podcasts." For example "NASA podcasts." This will point you to available podcasts online.
3. Odeo is another site that catalogs podcasts or where you can subscribe to podcasts.
To create podcasts:
To create podcasts, there are several options:
1. Use free software like Audacity to record the podcast, and then export it to an Mp3 file. (you'll also need the Lame software to convert it.)
More tips can be found on our Whsprojects website on using Audacity, and there is an excellent tutorial here.
Try this excellent video tutorial on using Audacity to create a podcast with music.
2. Use a digital audio recorder, like the Olympus WS-100. These allow you to record an interview, lecture, or your voice, and upload it when you plug the device into your computer. You may need to convert the file to an mp3 for a podcast, using free mp3 conversion software or through Audacity.
3. Use a site like GABCAST, which lets you podcast DIRECTLY from your cell phone. Set up an account, dial 1-800, record podcast, and you're done!
4. Some tools for converting podcasts for itunes(helps you compress your file size)
5. Some basic instructions here on podcasting for beginners; More detailed information on a variety of tools here.
Advanced option:
6. Use an iPod and Nano with an iTalk adapter, which allows you to record straight to the iPod itself.
When the iPod is connected with the computer, it loads the recorded file into iTunes. Then you can drag the file off to a folder or the desktop and use it elsewhere. To create a podcast file, you may need to convert it from a .wav to a .mp3 with free mp3 conversion software.
Adding music:
Remember to be aware of copyright rules when selecting music for your podcast if you are publishing it.
Creative Commons is a site where you can find music that is available to be re-used. Creative commons is an "agreed to" copyright designation, where the creator of the music licenses it for reuse or re-mixing.
Uploading podcasts
If you need a place to store your podcasts on the web, you can use your own website or blog, or a hosting service like Switchpod, which hosts up to ten 20 minute podcasts for free.
Or check out this new tool, Zoho, which allows you to create podcasts right at the site.
Listen to my sample podcast.
Lots more information from Wes Fryer's advanced podcasting workshop at Learning 2.0 conference, or his beginning workshop wiki.
Ideas for using podcasting in the classroom:
Have students interview someone and create a podcast.
In foreign language or ESL, have students record themselves and create a podcast.
Have students create a "podcast" show once a week or month in your subject area.
Have students create an "audio tour" of the school or of their hometown.
Record your own class discussions or lectures as a podcast.
Have students record book summaries or discussions as a regular podcast.
Have students create a museum piece and then create a podcast tour of their museum.
Elementary students can podcast:
Jamestown Elementary Podcast page
Tech Chicks Tips Two Texas teachers chat about technology tools in this podcast
Public institution podcasts:
NASA Podcast
Monterey Bay Aquarium Podcasts
Other podcasting tools and tutorials:
http://technosavvy.org/category/podcasting/
Look what we created:
Workshop podcasts from June 4 Inservice
WS_10035.WMA Libby and Kathy
podcast_carol_lorrie.mp3 Carol and Lorrie
podcast uses.mp3 Susannah, Ruth, and Donna
RhoniMacFinal.mp3 Rhoni & Mac McClennahan
Anne and Linda's podcast.mp3 Ann and Linda
librarians.mp3 Kathy, Linda, and Shannon
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