Podcasting

1. Podcasting By S. Lee

2. What is a Podcast? Podcast is an audio or video content being transferred over the internet. Podcast means a series of episodes (audio or video) in MP3 or MP4 files. “Pod” originally means iPod, which has been one of the most popular audio device. Nowadays, podcast can be played in any portable digital-media device.

3. 3 Types of Podcasts 1. Audio – sound only, XML (Extensible Markup Language) protocol using RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed, most popular in MP3 players 2. Enhanced Audio – sound with images, , use ACC (Advanced Audio Coding) files, not supported by some devices 3. Video – movies and many other forms, MPEG-4 format (MPEG means Moving Picture Expert Group), recently gaining popularity (above is referenced from Tony Vincent’s site) http://learninginhand.com/podcasting

4. iTunes offered podcasts for free http://www.apple.com/itunes/podcasts/ • Podcast Alley is a popular site to find podcasts http://www.podcastalley.com • Learn Out Loud hosted many free educational audio and video podcasts http://www.learnoutloud.com/Free-Audio-Video Where to find podcasts?

5. Business people can use audio or video podcasts in many ways: • Professional Training • Public Relations • Marketing strategies • Promotional activities • (referenced from http://www.ehow.com/how_4494293_use-podcasting-business.html) What are some ways podcast can be used at the workplace?

6. Listen to audio podcasts • Produce podcasts with students • Use podcasts to communicate with students or parents • Watch video podcasts… How can podcasts be used in the classroom?

7. - summarize a chapter- reflection of reading materials- interview or dialogue for characters in a book- create a poem- record a song or rap- audio documentation of discussion- many other possible uses... What are some examples of podcasts that young children can produce?

8. Sample Podcasts used in Secondary Education English Language Arts (e.g. English Teacher John Show http://www.podcastalley.com/player/player.php?pod_id=8577) Math (e.g. MathGradhttp://www.mathgrad.com/) Science (e.g. 60-Second Science hosted by Scientific American http://www.scientificamerican.com/podcast/) History (e.g. Speaking of History http://www.podcastalley.com/player/player.php?pod_id=31733)

9. Willowdale Elementary School in Nebraska hosted the Radio WillowWeb at their school’s website with all “Willowcasts” recorded by Grades K-5 students Podcasts produced by Elementary Students http://mps.wes.schoolfusion.us/modules/cms/pages.phtml?pageid=115312

10. The School District of Philadelphia also published podcasts produced by students in elementary schools – Willard School and Overbrook Elementary More podcasts produced by Elementary Students http://podcast.phila.k12.pa.us/

11. During the weeks we are looking at microscopes, I plan my lesson into 3 phases: • Phase 1 – students form collaborative groups and brainstorm ideas • Phase 2 – students write the script and practice the script • Phase 3 – record podcasts using Audacity software & convert to MP3 files Podcast Production Lesson Overview

12. An interview with scientists in microscope history (Mia Show) • Microscope song/rap Sample podcasts produced by my students (1)

13. 3. An interview with scientists in microscope history (commercial in the middle) 4. Microscope songs “Top 4 countdown” Sample podcasts produced by my students (2)

14. Equipment – need to have good quality microphone, headphones and multiple producers may use headset splitter • Timing – need to estimate preparation time (i.e. writing first draft of script to editing the final draft of script) but the recording time could be quick (i.e. simple recording) or long (i.e. adding special effects such as echoing, adding background music, fading out at the end, etc.) What are the challenges in producing podcast?

15. Good Introduction - Tony Vincent published a free booklet at his website named Podcasting for Teachers and Studentshttp://learninginhand.com/podcasting-booklet/ • Free Software - Audacity is the commonly used free software for podcasting http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ How to begin making a podcast?

16. How to use Audacity software? (picture referenced from Tony Vincent’s site)

17. This video (click the link below) shows the basic recording features include: • Clip out error in the recording • Adjust volume of background music • Split stereo recording track into individual (solo) clip for editing in each clip • Use “Time Shift” tool to shift audio clip around http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5rQr5YVNqI0 YouTube Video to show basics for Audacity

18. Audacity 1.2 version using Windows XP or previous Window versions • Need to add “LAME MP3 encoding” as Plug-ins (follow Audacity site) • Convert Audacity files under “File” and “Export as MP3” • Audacity 1.3 version using Windows 7 or previous Window versions • Allow for several additional plug-ins • Covert to MP3 similar to 1.2 version but more flexibility in drop down box during export to MP3 How to convert Audacity audio files into MP3 files?

19. Equipments should be checked to minimize technical problems. • View the introduction with the basic steps in using Audacity software - get yourself familiar with the software before actual recording. • Plan for extra time including writing the drafts of the script BEFORE podcast recording. • Be flexible and enjoy the process! Quick Tips for making podcast in any location:

20. Podcasting and Thinking Skills1. Creating podcasts require the use of creative thinking skills2. Listening to podcasts allow audience to use critical thinking skills to evaluate audio information

21. Thank you for listening to my presentation! Further references on podcastingis available at my Expert Project portfolio. (click link)