Podcasting

=**PODCASTING**= toc

**__What is it?__**
A podcast is a digital media file (audio or video) that is recorded and then can be distributed over the internet. Individuals can subscribe to these broadcasts using an "aggregator" such as [|ITUNES]. The aggregator goes out to the web using the address provided and pulls updated episodes into the player. The most simple way to listen or view a podcast is to stream or download it from a website. What distinguishes a podcast from other digital media files is its ability to be syndicated, subscribed to, and downloaded using an aggregator. Podcasts are syndicated through RSS feeds. Rss feeds can be identified on sites by the orange picture seen below.



__Where can I find Podcasts?__
There are many sites on the internet that syndicate or post podcasts. Itunes has a large directory of available podcasts that can be searched by subject area. They range from Professional Development Classes for teachers to television/radio broadcasts to basketweaving instructions! There are also a number of other sites that host podcasts. Below are some directories.

**__How Can I Create a Podcast?__**
You can create a podcast on a PC. All you need is a computer with a sound card, a microphone and a free sofware package called [|Audacity]and a MP3 converter program called [|LAME]that is also free.

To learn more about Audacity including where to download it and access to help guides and tutorials please visit my Audacity Page on this Wiki.

__**Downloads and Presentations**__ [|Podcast Presentation - Nov 2007] - PowerPoint Radio Willow Web Podcasting Booklet - [|Audacity] - Download Audacity here

[|LAME] - Download the Lame Plug in here to convert Audacity files to MP3

__**Podcasting Links of Interest**__
[|www.itunes.com]-- Download the free itunes software onto your computer. Once installed, visit the itunes store (accessible through the software) to search, download and/or subscribe to a podcast. [|http://www.podcast.net]- A podcasting directory [] - A large directory of podcasts [|http://www.screencast-o-matic.com] - Create a screencast online. [|Http://www.learninginhand.com/ipod/index.html] - Great collection of lesson ideas and tools. [|Http://runkle.org/podcasts/index.html] - Sample book review lessons. [|How to publish your podcast on itunes] [|Great Article on Podcasting in Education] [|www.podsafeaudio.com] - Audio files to use in podcasts. 100 Ways to use podcasts - []


 * Examples of Elementary Podcasts all Subjects** - []

Math
[|Examples of Math Minute Podcasts]

Language Arts
> > >
 * Students create a radio broadcast of a story. They use sound effects and speaking skills to project mood and create visuals using audio.
 * Teachers post vocabulary words and definitions for download by students on IPods or home computers.
 * Students create digital stories using movie maker or photostory. The stories are syndicated via RSS feeds or posted on online for download. The stories contain images, narration, music and effects.
 * [|Book Talk]
 * [|Literature Circles]
 * [|Process Drama - Readers Theater]
 * [|Meet the author]

Foreign Language

 * Students record foreign language conversations. This can be reviewed by the student for practice or by the teacher for assessment.
 * Students narrate a story or news broadcast in the language they are studying.
 * Teacher records vocabulary words and posts online. Students download onto their ipods or listen on their home computer.
 * Students complete audio assignments and post them to a class blog.
 * CD's provided with classroom textbooks can be downloaded onto the computer and available for student download. Students can download these files onto an ipod.
 * Audio prompts for tests can be downloaded onto classroom ipods. Students can review the prompts while taking the test. The have control of the prompts. They can pause, rewind and stop at their own pace.
 * Microphones can be purchased for Ipod Nano's. Students can record on them.
 * Students can listen to a variety of available foreign language podcasts. They then can respond to them in class, through a blog, wiki or other assignment.
 * MP3 Recorders allow students to easily record dialogue and upload to a computer via a usb interface.

Science

 * Record and document experiments.
 * Record test reviews
 * Students can subscribe to and listen to lectures from colleges and schools around the world.
 * Students can video tape an entire experiment and publish it.
 * [|Here is an example of a science class that produces podcasts]