Podcasting 101For The Techno Challenged

Introduction“Another way to understand information,”

This statement for Dr L Nelms basically sums up why we consider podcasting a learning tool. Podcasting is a tool which allows the

learner to understand concepts in an auditory situation. The oral communication of

information is very powerful and effective for all learners. As educators, we need to understand what podcasting is , how to create them and how to integrate them

effectively into our teaching.

Definition of PodcastingA podcast is a series of digital media files

(either audio or video) that are released episodically and often downloaded through web syndication.“

"A podcast is a broadcast of an audio file delivered over the Internet. It is recorded, published with a syndication (RSS) feed and saved to a server.

Simplified Definition of a PodcastAudio recordings distributed on the internetAutomatic delivery of a file to subscribersMany people use the term podcast for any

audio file on the web but the file needs to have the RSS feed. "The feed defines the podcast" (Kretz, 2007, p. 36).

How to Create a PodcastThere are basically three steps to creating a

PodcastChoose your recording and practiceChoose an audio editing software Publish the podcast: link the audio file to a

Web site with an RSS feed so people can subscribe.

Step 1: Create and PracticeChoose message to record in podcastPractice oral delivery of message to enhance

engagement of listener

Step 2: Audio Editing Software

Both Audacity and Garageband allow the user to broadcast and edit their podcast recordings

Both allow user to add music and sound effects to recordings

Examples of Editing SoftwareAudacity: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/This software is free and easy to use

Apple’s Garageband: http://www.apple.com/ilife/garageband/

Step 3

Broadcasting:RSS Feed

How to Broadcast

Once recording has been created and edited it must be saved as an mp3 file

Upload it to the Internet Establish an RSS feed

RSS Feed???

Real Simple Syndication – RSSPlease see Wikipedia definiton:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSS_(file_format)

Podcasts in the LibraryMedia Specialist can use Podcasts in various

ways in the library, such as recording How To’s for the library

How to use the libraryHow to use online resourcesHow to cite sources How to evaluate web sites

Example Podcast for Library

Introduction to the Library http://www.dryden.k12.ny.us/schools/shared/Dreamweaver%20WWW/HS_MS_Library/Tour2/Fic.mp3

BooktalksWeekly uploaded booktalks for students to

listen toWill address various interests once collection

is establishedExample:

http://www.hopkintonschools.org/hhs/library/podcast.html

What’s New in the LibraryA podcast to highlight new books or

resourcesFuture arrivals or upcoming events

What’s Happening in the LibraryA podcast to highlight what is going on in the

libraryContestsClubsBook ClubsAuthor VisitsPromotion for the library, make it accessible

to parents

Student-led Podcasts can be instrumental in encouraging

student involvement and creativityPoetry recital:http://www.poetry4kids.com/podcast

Book summary: http://www.bookwink.com/http://www.kid-cast.com/wordpress/?p=63

SummaryAvailable and easy to useCaptures student attention and stimulates

creativityProvides variation to inspire and encourage

literacyProvides instant enrichment by adding

current, professional “voice” to lessons or discussions

Easily adaptable for all ages and abilities

Discussion Question 1What is your opinion of podcasting and how

do you see it working for you in either your classroom or library?

Discussion Question 2The following are a few articles which

highlight the pros and cons of podcasting. Some interesting points are made about this tool which warrant some consideration. What are your thoughts? Do you think that the advantages outweigh the disadvantages?

Pros and Cons of Podcasting

http://www.brighthub.com/internet/web-development/articles/34767.aspx

http://www.podcastconsultant.net/2006/10/24/podcasting-lectures-pros-and-cons/

http://mauricecastle.com/2006/06/podcasting-pros-and-cons-podcasting-tips/

ResourcesSchool Library Podcasts Hopkinton High School & Middle School Creekview High School Dryden Middle & High School Parkrose High School San Mateo High School Whitney Point High School New Canaan High School

Resources cont’d Podcast Sites Funny Poetry Podcast Free Audio Books Storynory: Free Audio Stories for Kids Monticello

Podcast Tools Audacity Feedburner

Tools for Teachers Podcasting in the Classroom Kathy Schrock's Rubric #1 Kathy Schrock's Rubric #2 Kathy Schrock's Rubric #3

ReferencesWiki page: Using Podcasts in Schools

http://lis5313.ci.fsu.edu/wiki/index.php/Using_Podcasts_in_Schools

Podcasting 101 for K–12 Librariansby Esther Kreider Eash: http://www.infotoday.com/cilmag/apr06/Eash.shtml

School Computing Wiki Page

http://www.infotoday.com/cilmag/apr06/Eash.shtml :