Podcasting

Definition

 * Podcasting** is the method of distributing multimedia files, such as audio programs or music videos, over the Internet for playback on mobile devices and personal computers. The distribution format of a podcast uses either the RSS or Atom syndication formats. The term podcast, like "radio", can mean both the content and the method of delivery. The host or author of a podcast is often referred to as a podcaster. ([|Wikipedia])

//"A podcast is a pre-recorded audio program that's posted to a website and is made available for download so people can listen to them on personal computers or mobile devices" (//[|Entrepreneur.com])

Neither podcasting nor listening to podcasts requires an iPod or other portable player, and no over-the-air broadcasting is required. The name association came about simply because Apple Computer's iPod was the most marketed and the best-selling portable digital audio player when podcasting began, and was used by early practitioners.

Rationale

 * 1) It's fun and will engage learners.
 * 2) Students (and teachers) can express themselves in new ways.
 * 3) Allows students to express their creativity.
 * 4) It can be a tool to teach writing across the curriculum

Instructional/Tutorial Sites and Hosting Sites
There are many ways to create podcasts and many places to upload them. Here are a few resources.

Tutorials

 * [|How to Podcast] - This site was not intended for education, but it gives a step-by-step analysis to create a podcast.
 * [|Podcast for Free] - Links and tutorials to everything you need to create podcasts with just a computer and microphone

Hosting Sites

 * [|iTunes] - you can apply to iTunes to host your podcasts. If you have an ongoing theme or content area, this is a great place to get the word out.
 * [|Odeo] - sign up here and then go to [|Studio.odio] to record and post
 * [|Podomatic] - Host your podcasts on this site

Webcasting - a twist on the podcast
If you're looking for a great way to learn how to webcast and you have the time, take a look at the [|Webcast Academy]. They provide a collaborative training center for folks who are interested in learning how to produce and host live, interactive webcasts.

Windows Platform Tools

 * [|Audacity] - You don't need a Mac or iPod in order to create a podcast. Audacity will record your audio and transform it into an mp3, all at no cost to you!
 * [|Audacity Reference Guide]
 * [|Audacity Tutorial] - Links to several Audacity tutorials
 * [|Audacity Tutorial for Podcasters] - Everything from setup to extport
 * [|Lame] - is the MP3 encoder for Audacity

Examples & Scenarios

 * Kindergarten and 1st grade classes are recording their take-home stories as a podcast
 * Speech students are podcasting the school news for the week. They can really hear their articulation errors
 * Interview local residents as means to record community history

Classroom Examples

 * [|12 Byzantine Rulers] - History of the Byzantine Empire
 * [|Chemistry Video Podcasts] for High School
 * [|The Coulee Kids' Podcasts] - Longfellow Middle School
 * [|Radio Willow Web] - For Kids, by Kids

Additional Resources

 * [|Classroom in Your Pocket] - Doug Hyde's blog is devoted to the technical and pedagogical uses of iPods in the classroom.
 * [|Education Podcast Network] - wide range of podcast programming for teachers looking for content to explore issues of teaching and learning in the 21st century.
 * Video - [|Google Video] and [|YouTube] - some great videos for you and your students.
 * Effective Math Videos
 * [|Freeplay Music] - Copyright free music