-POD...Do YOU…?

An Approach to Changing the Way

We Teach TODAYGwendolyn P. Thomas Teacher-Facilitator of TechnologySt. Mary Parish School Board

We KNOW that….• Technology – welcome, viable tool of

instruction.

• Today’s students - digital natives; intuitively aligned/wired.

• Students use technology resources in multiple ways outside the classroom.

THEN SHALL WE…

capitalize on what works to: - promote active student engagement.

- increase academic achievement.

Podcasting – An Instructional Approach to Success

• More than 125,000 podcasts are available to subscribers. The numbers continue to climb…

• Adults as well as children listen to and/or watch them daily.

- entertainment and instructional purposes.

Podcast - defined

• A digital media file which is accessible over the Internet which can be downloaded to a laptop, computer , iPod, pocket PC, handheld, or other device.

• A mini-radio show.

Types of PodcastsStandard/Audio Enhanced

(podcast w/pictures)Video (Vodcast)

audio x x x

still images x x x

chapters x x

hyperlinks x

full-motion video x

equipment microphone microphone, chapter software

video camera, microphone (opt)

file size small small - medium medium - very large

skill level beginner intermediate advanced

@2007 University of Houston

Podcasting - How does it work?

• An audio file is sent with the RSS (Real Simple Syndication) feed.

• RSS feeds - makes it possible for web sites to allow subscribers to receive summaries of new content posted.

• RSS feeds are posted as text files in XML format.

What do I need?

For Creating Podcasts

Required• A computer • An Internet connection • An audio recording device: microphone, camcorder, etc • Text editing software (for creating the RSS file) • Access to a web server for hosting your content • RSS-enabled browser or RSS aggregator software for testing

For Creating Podcasts

Optional • A camcorder for recording video (vodcasts only) • Podcast creating software • A portable media device for testing • Image editing software for creating images to use as artwork

in enhanced podcasts

What else do I need?For Listening to Podcasts Required • A computer • An Internet connection • RSS-enabled browser or RSS aggregator software

Optional• A portable media device for listening to your podcasts on-the-go

“Before I Get Started….”• Needs Assessment

• Content

• Equipment

• Audience

• Participants

• Assistance

First things first…

Write a script or outline• Involve as many as possible• Select a topic • Create name for the podcast• Write story• Decide roles• Rehearse• Trial run

Next item on the agenda…

Recording

• USB headset microphone recommended

• Record short portions of audio at a time

• Record Introduction last – it should hook the listeners

Almost done…..Edit the audio

• Arrange the audio in proper order

• Add music and sound effects - Make sure that music is “podsafe”

• Give the artist credit

Some podsafe music sites

• The Free Sound Project • SoundSnap • Flash Kit - Sound FX • Podcast Bumper Music • fOUR bEES Free Media • Podsafe Audio • Common Content: Catalog • ACIDplanet offers a free 8-pack of loops each Friday.

Lastly…..

Publishing • Copy the MP3 file to the server • Need a webpage and an RSS feed - HTML editor (DreamWeaver or FrontPage) - Blog posting• Use software that creates the RSS feed• Submit web address of RSS feed to podcast directories

Subscribe to Podcasts

• iTunes software – free for Windows and Macs• Internet Explorer 7• Firefox• iPodder• Juice• Safari

Podcast Resources

• Learninginhand

• University of Houston

• Podcasting News

Podcasting - Benefits

• Audio and/or video files are published to the Web.• Provide information.• Improves verbal communication.• Communicate with others in a global community.• Share projects.• Active student engagement with real-world connections • Allows students some level of flexibility.

Podcast Sample Ideas

• Current events• Book reviews• Interviews• Field trip documentation – road diaries• Review course content• Class discussions

Podcast Samples“Happy Mother’s Day” • http://web.mac.com/rockourworld/iWeb/Site/

Podcast/Podcast.html

“What’s Better, Mac or PC?”• http://www.knhctv.com/vodcasts/KNHC-

TV_Episode_20_-_Mac_vs_PC--whats_better.mp4

“It’s as Simple as 1, 2, 3…!”• http://www.webpagestation.com/TF094819/

GwenThomas060108212209/rss.xml