So you’re here and you’re at least interested. However, you’ve got some big questions looming: 1) What is a podcast? 2) Why create a podcast? 3) How do I create a podcast? & 4) How do I deliver my podcast? I will answer all these questions, but with any new project there’s a learning curve. Make additional time to prepare the materials, learn the process, and allow for mistakes along the way.
What is a podcast?
Audio and video recordings have been available on the internet for some time, but podcasting or video podcasting takes it a step further. "A podcast is a series of audio or video on the web that can be cataloged and automatically downloaded" (Vincent, 2008). Think of it as a list of audio or video programs available to you when and where you want them. All you need is an internet connection and personal computer or handheld computing device.
Podcasting vs. Downloading
Podcasting is different from broadcasting and webcasting in that it "casts" audio not by a mechanism of centrally pushing audio out to listeners, but by the mechanism of the (distributed) listeners pulling (downloading) the audio files automatically. Podcasters publish (or "podcast") audio files, even in the likeness of radio shows, but it is the individual listener who initiates the "cast" through their subscription and automatic download of the audio program (Interactive Voices, 2007).
Why create a podcast?
Now this is a great question. It may have started with people who wanted their own radio programs, but it has exploded into several possibilities. Podcasting might be for pure enjoyment, exposure for something new, electronic archiving, or simply advertising! However, you’re here because you want to know some educational reasons for podcasting. Here are some examples on why podcasting has a place in your classroom:
-->Apple Computer
-->Teacher Tube Video by Katie Grassel
How do I create a Podcast?
If you can access this web site you probably have all the tools you already need. To keep it completely simple, you need a microphone, an audio recording/editing program on your computer, and an idea. If you do not have an audio recording program on your computer, I would recommend one of the following:
"Audacity is a free, easy-to-use audio editor and recorder for Windows, Mac OS X, GNU/Linux, and other operating systems" (Audacity, 2008).
CNet offers a quick overview of the technical needs for podcasting in their video, Podcasting 101.
If your school has not blocked this site, it's an option if you want a one stop shop for recording, editing, and publishing your educational podcasts. You will still need to download their audio recorder.
Watch the Teacher Tube video!
How do I deliver my podcast?
In order to truly be a podcast, you need to have an Really Simple Syndication or Rich Site Summary (RSS) feed. The next step is finding someone to host this feed. Then you need to invite others to subscribe to this feed.
"FeedBurner is the leading provider of media distribution and audience engagement services for blogs and RSS feeds. Our Web-based tools help bloggers, podcasters and commercial publishers promote, deliver and profit from their content on the Web" --(FeedBurner.com, 2008), About page.
But I have my own web site, how can I create a RSS there?
If you use Dreamweaver (like I do) to create your site, you have a couple options in creating your own RSS feed from a web site. You can follow the tutorial at Web Reference on how to use RSS DreamFeeder or Community MX: Feed Tools article. You may still have to purchase a feed tool depending upon your capabilities, but at least you have options!
Useful Sites:
Tony Vincent’s Podcasting Page
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Audiobook Myths
Jim Trelease (2006) notes that fears of audiobooks making readers “print lazy” are baseless. “…in fact the opposite proved to be true. The heaviest users were among the most litereate people in America, according to a national survey. Among the study’s findings:
-->75% were college graduates and 41% had advanced degrees.
-->88% had an annual family income of $51,000 or higher.
-->86% read at least one newspaper daily.
-->21% read at least 25 books a year.” (p. 172)
This is where iPodject started with a question: How can the school library rent audiobooks without losing/damage risk? Answer: Using the current technology of the handheld computing device! Checking in and out the iPods to students looking to read and listen to a book can be difficult, but there are many rewards as well.
Put ideas for music here
CNet Video: Get music off your iPod (for Apple)
Remember: Just as there are countless reasons to use a podcast in education, there are numerous ways to do this as well. This is just one method on how to create, record/edit, and publish your podcasts for educational use. Feel free to research the following sites to open yourself to other methods and possibilities with podcasting.