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Podcasting and iTunes U

Chris CollinsMulti Media Producer

Design and DevelopmentServices

What is podcasting?

• Creation of audio and/or visualmaterial

• Media files uploaded to a server• May be downloaded for immediate use

or later use, on desktop or portabledevice

Types of podcasts

• Audio podcast• Enhanced podcast (audio and visuals)• Video podcast

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File types for iTunes U

• Audio: AAC or MP3 with .m4a or .mp3extensions. 128kbits/sec. Stereo. 44.100kHz.

• Video: MPEG-4, H.264 with .mp4, .m4v, or.mov file extensions. The H.264 file typerecommended for iPods. Data rate:256kbits/sec Image size: 320 x 240 FrameRate: 30. Key Frame: every 24 frames.

• Other file types must be converted

How do I do it?

• Record audio on laptop or portabledigital audio recorder

• Import recording for editing and fileconversion-including renaming

• Upload file to your iTunes U site

Microphone techniques

• Laveliere-best for lecture• Headset mic-desktop recording• Tabletop mic-small group, quiet room

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How will students use it?

• To make up for missed class• Review material not understood• Review for tests…peak at exam time• Vast majority will listen/view podcasts

on desktop computer--10 to 20percent on mobile device (iPod)

• Only about 20% will use regularly

Things you can podcast

• Class lectures• Review sessions• Lecture with visuals (PowerPoint,etc.)• Supplementary materials-videos,

speeches, interviews with experts, etc.(get release)

• Student-created presentations• Course preview

Benefits of podcasts

• An additional channel-studentexpectations

• Convenient- available anytime,anywhere

• Assists auditory learners• Student review or clarification

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The University of Akron oniTunes U

• Click. Sync. Learn.• Free server and support to hundreds

of educational institutions• UA contract with Apple Corp.• Free iTunes software for PCs• Users begin at Apple iTunes “Store”

The University of Akron oniTunes U

• UA site has Public and Private sections• UA net login required for Private

section• Only registered students can access

courses• Public section for general information,

recruiting, promotion, etc.

http://itunesu.uakron.eduhttp://itunesu.uakron.edu

http://itunesu.uakron.edu

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How to use iTunes U

• Download itunes software at:• http://apple.com/downloads/

• Register your class at UA’s iTunes U site• Record your content• Convert to usable files if necessary• Use Audacity to edit, convert, rename files-

add meta data• Upload to your iTunes U site

Issues with iTunes U

• Copyright and fair use of materials• Need to “scrub” courses• Intellectual property issues• Will it help students?• Will students use it?

Contact us

• Chris Collins, x2435collin8@uakron.edu

• Jamie Newhall, x8291jnewhal@uakron.edu