Podcasting

Podcasting Overview

What is Podcasting?
Podcasting means many things to many people, but In its most popular form, podcasting is a way for people to selectively subscribe and download audio content over the Internet. This content, whether video or audio, can then be automatically downloaded to a computer, handhelds or mobile device, like an iPod. Think of it as a radio show on demand, you can listen to whenever and wherever you want. Podcasting for education can be much more though. There is actually two sides to podcasting.

An Introduction to Podcasting- "The World is Listening" - (click here)
"Digital Media Players/Recorders in the Classroom" - (click here)
The Road Map to Podcasting- (click here)
XML Sample- (click here)

How can podcasts be used?
Simple Podcasting Ideas:

How do you create a podcast?
The easiest way for Windows users to create a podcast is to use a free program called Audacity. This audio editing tool allows users to record and edit spoken word and music files. Once these have been recorded, they can then be exported as a MP3 file.  A MP3 file is a cross platform file that has become a standard for delivering music and audio content.    

What do you do once you have recorded your podcast?
Once the podcast has been recorded and exported as an MP3, it needs to be put on a web server so that other people can have access to it. There are two ways that it can be delivered from there. One way is to create a link from your school/classroom web site and allow it to be played directly from a web browser using either iTunes (Free for Mac and Windows) or using Windows Media Player. The second way your content can be listen to would be to upload the file to a web server and then create something called an RSS feed so that people can subscribe to you content through a podcatcher service like iTunes, Yahoo Podcasts. By subscribing with this RSS feed through one of these services, your audience can automatically have your podcasts delivered to their computers every time new content is posted. In a way, it is kind of like having your newspaper is delivered to your home, but it is audio and you pick the content that you want delivered. Once these files have be delivered to their computer, these files can then be transferred over to a mobile MP3 player like an iPod.

What is RSS?
In simple terms, RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is a file that allows users to subscribe to your podcasts. It is a file that contains the information or a summary about your podcast file and also points to a service like iTune to that file for delivery.

What is needed?


Equipment

What are some suggested usages?

Devices Device Details Usages Prices
iPod Shuffle

Specifications
1 gig
12-hour rechargeable battery
1.62 × 1.07 × 0.41

Includes
Apple earphones
USB dock
This item does not have a display.
Warranty Information

The Shuffle is a inexpensive tool for classrooms that want students to take audio home to listen to.

This device can be used for guided reading or audio assignments. It can be used for accommodations.

The down side to the shuffle is that it does not have a screen so one must listen for the tracks.

For more information:http://store.apple.com		 1GB-       $79.00
iPod Nano Video

Specifications
4 gigs or 8 gigs
24- hour rechargeable battery
1.5-inch color display
1.5 ounces
1.6 x 3.5 x 0.26 inches
Includes
Earbud headphones
USB 2.0 cable
Dock adapter
Case
Quick Start guide
CD with iTunes for Mac and Windows and features guide
Warranty Information

The Nano is a great middle priced tool for both teachers and students. Unike the Shuffle, this device plays both audio and video. The benefit of the Nano is that it does have a screen for easy navigation and can also play videos and audio books for content enrichment. The Nano will also show enhanced educational podcasts. (Enhanced means they have still images that play during the podcast.)
This device can be used for guided reading or for audio/video assignments. It can be used for accommodations.

The Nano also holds more data than the shuffle.

The Nano can record if a third party adaptor is added:
Xtreme Mac - MicroMemo



 For more information:http://store.apple.com
iPod Classic Video

Specifications
80 gigs or 160gigs
20- hour rechargeable battery
30GB 14- hour rechargeable battery
Full charge takes 4 hours.
2.5-inch color display
4.8 ounces
2.4 x 4.1 x .43 inches
Includes
Earbud headphones
USB 2.0 cable
Dock adapter for use with Universal Dock
Case
Quick Start guide
CD with iTunes for Mac and Windows and features guide
Warranty Information

The video iPod is high end tool for teachers and students who need larger storage for both audio and video capabilities. As far as instruction goes, the iPod Video is great for courses where the instructor either video tapes or has suggested videos for students to watch. This device should be a last resort if the iPod Nano cannot support your needs. Just like the iPod Nano, this device plays both audio and video. The iPod Classic Video does have a screen for easy navigation and can also play videos and audio books for content enrichment. This deice will show enhanced educational podcasts. (Enhanced means they have still images that play during the podcast.)
This device can be used for guided reading or for audio/video assignments. It can be used for accommodations.

The Nano can record if a third party adaptor is added:
Xtreme Mac - MicroMemo
For more information:http://store.apple.com
Optional iPod Accessories

This item is highly recommended. Out of the box, the only way to charge an iPod is by connecting it to a computer.
iPod USB Power Adapter- Connect to any power outlet and recharge iPod shuffle or any iPod model with dock connector. Compatible with iPod shuffle and iPod models with dock connector. iPod models with dock connector also require the iPod Dock Connector to USB 2.0 Cable.

  

$29.00
iRiver T10

Specifications
Up to 45- hour rechargeable battery
AAA battery
60 x 30.4 x 22.1 mm
27g
Vivid color display
FM Tuner and Recorder
1 GB Flash Storage
Voice Recorder
MP3 Player

Includes
iRiver headphones
AA battery
USB 2.0 cable
Manual
Installation CD
Easy start CD
Basic Warranty - 12 months parts / 12 months labor
Plays MP3, WMA and OGG music files

The iRiver is a great tool for those who want a portable recording device for creating content. It has a built in microphone that allows the user to record their voice without any additional equipment. These are great devices for instructor to record instruction.
For more information: http://www.iriveramerica.com/prod/ultra/t10/T10-1GB.aspx		 Approximate.    $119.00


Suggested Microphones and Additional Equipment

Devices Device Details Usages Prices
Blue Microphones Snowball This is a unidirectional and an omnidirectional USB microphone- this means it reduces background noise and is perfect for one host or for doing interviews. It includes a USB cable and stand. High Quality Podcast Recording

$99.00 from www.apple.com

 


Tutorials

Podcasting PowerPoints

Podcasting Video Tutorials- These are high quality Windows Media files that can be viewed in full screen mode.
Using Audacity Audio Editing and Recording Software

iPod and iTune Tutorials- Apple offers some great tutorials on both the iPod and iTunes.

Additional Resources

Suggested Podcasts- All of these podcast can be subscribed to on iTunes

Audience Name of Podcast Author Description
Educators Connect Learning David Warlick  
  Moving at the Speed of Creativity Welsy Fryer  
  EdTechTalk Jeff Leboe and Dave  
  Building LEarning Communities Alan November  
  Smithsonian Podcasts    
  TechPodZone TechPodZone Technology integration ideas and tips for teachers
  Book Voyages Hosted by Art Spencer Book reviews about children’s literature with interviews with authors and students.
  KidCast: Learning and Teaching with Podcasting Dan Schmidt Gives information about starting your own podcast and suggestions for how to use
  Photoshop Quicktips Seely Design Studio Every episode varies, but it is a great step by step on how to use various application in Photoshop.  This is becoming a popular piece of software for most educators.
 

Digital Photography

Chris Marquardt

Tips on digital photography
       
Students Rolling R’s: Free Video Spanish Larry Leim Provides Spanish lessons via video
  Share the Earth-This is Our Earth-PBS Kids Podcast PBS Kids & Milkshake Students can sing & dance with all the PBS characters. (earth day focus)
  Test Prep Vocabulary Liangatang Vocabulary Test Prep to prepare students for the ACT, SAT, and GRE
 

Podictinary

Hodgeson

History and meaning of different words
 

Instant Anatomy

Whitaker

Different areas of the anatomy
 

Colonial Williamsburg

Williamsburg Foundation

Sound-seeing tour of different areas of Williamsburg
School/Parents A focus on Positive Discipline Podcast Ken Ainge A podcast for parents to help them with discipline
  Tween Talk Beacon Street Girls Bringing parents and experts to discuss daily issues 9-13 yr olds face.
  Teachers Teaching Reading Paul Allison, Susan Ettenheim, et al. 3 public teachers who moderate a weekly podcast about teaching reading and writing.
  Internet Safety Eric Chamberlin A presentation on challenges with keeping young people safe on the internet today.
 

Maths in motion

Milthorpe

Aims at parents to aid them in helping their children
       
Vodcasts Izzy Video   Learn how to shoot better videos
  Sun-Earth Education NASA’s Sun-Earth Education Form A description of the Sun and how it affects the earth.
  Photoshop TV The Photoshop Guys Introduce new and various ways to use Photoshop within itself and with other applications. 
  CM Algebra I, #053 On-Demand Math Instruction Linear Equations, Slope: Using the graph of a line to find slope
  Northwest-Shoals Ann Lynden Linear Equations – Identifying 3 types of linear equations

Directories/ Search Engine

Podsafe Music

Podcasting Documents

Miscellaneous Resources

For more information or training on podcasting or integrating these devices into you classroom, please contact Brad Niessen at 973-4743 or at bniessen@usd259.net.

 

 WPS Home Email WPS

HOME | STEPS  |  TECHFOCUS |  RESOURCES  | STS  | STAFF |  SEARCH
©2007 Wichita Public Schools. All Rights Reserved.