Podcasting 101

Region One ESC

Agenda

I. Podcasting Basics

II. Subscribe to podcasts

III. Audacity basics

IV. Create audio podcast

with Audacity

What is podcasting?

“Podcast” is derived from the terms “iPod” and “broadcast.” (You don’t need an iPod).

Podcasts are media files (usually mp3 or video files) that are published to web sites, and then syndicated. Users subscribe to the feeds and the podcasts are downloaded automatically. Users may also download some podcasts manually.

Example: http://www.npr.org/rss/podcast/podcast_detail.php?siteId=89697159

Terminology

• RSS – Really Simple Syndication - is a family of Web feed formats used to publish frequently updated works such as blog entries, news headlines, and podcasts in a standardized format.

• Aggregator – “In computing, a feed aggregator, also known as a feed reader, news reader or simply aggregator, is client software or a Web application which aggregates syndicated web content such as news headlines, blogs, podcasts, and vlogs in a single location for easy viewing.”

(from http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSS_aggregator)

Terminology

A podcast can be downloaded and delivered online via RSS feed (webfeed) subscriptions.

Podcatchers are special RSS aggregators that transfer the files to your computer

iTunes and Juice are aggregators or podcatchers (podcast receivers).

History of PodcastingRooted in web radio

2003Adam Curry, Tristan Louis and Dave Winer collaborated in

using RSS technology and media content for podcast prototypes

Stephen Downes (EdRadio) used RSS to demonstrate audio file aggregation

Christopher Lydon (NPR) started linking MP3 files on his blog

2005 Apple Computers, Inc. integrated podcasts into iTunesMany podcast aggregator sites and directories appear

From: http://www.podcastblaster.com/history-of-podcasting.html

Subscribing to Podcasts

Subscribing to PodcastsDownload podcast aggregators or

podcast receivers (iTunes, Juice) to your computer

Search for podcasts in the podcatcher directory or in websites with icons indicating podcasts are available

Copy and post URL or RSS feed into aggregator to subscribe to and download podcasts

Subscribing to Podcasts

Once you subscribe to podcasts, the feeds are downloaded to your computer

After the podcasts are downloaded, you can play them on any media player….

…or transfer the podcast to an mp3 player, such as an iPod, Zune or other mp3 compatible device.

Creating Audio Podcasts

Creating Audio Podcasts

Plan the podcast Record “produce”

“(script, content, multimedia with Audacity

graphics, rubric)

Export to Import to Syndicate on the

mp3 compatible podcatcher web

player (iTunes, Juice)

CreditsLinks:iTunes: http://www.apple/com/itunesJuice: http://juicereceiver.sourceforge.net/Audacity: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/Wiki: http://esc1library.pbwiki.comccmixter (Creative Commons Music): ccmixter.org

Contact: Maria Elena Ovalle movalle@esc1.net (956) 984-6055

Adapted from: Connie Swiderski, ESC XI and Sonia Garza, Edcouch-Elsa ISD.