Podcasting involves creating digital audio files that are published online and can be downloaded to MP3 players. There are two main types - enhanced podcasts include images and URLs, while videocasts contain both audio and video. Podcasting allows information to be shared in an exciting new way and gives students active participation in content creation. Some advantages are that files can be accessed anytime and provide motivation for students, while disadvantages include potential distractions and time needed for uploading large files.

1. Podcasting
by
Mary Ann Hoffmeyer

2. What is Podcasting
Podcasting is a digital recording of a radio
broadcast or program that is made available on the
Internet. This recording is downloaded to a digital
audio file that is created, shared, and heard.
Podcasts can contain a mixture of voices, music,
sounds, videos and photos. Podcasts are portable
or can reside on MP3 players and can
go anywhere. Podcasts can range in length from a
few minutes to a few hours.

3. Two types of Podcasts
Two different variations of podcasts have emerged.
1. One is the enhanced podcast. This podcast is an audio that
includes images and URLs. They are dispayed on a computer
screen or a media player.
2. The other is videocasts which are audio and video.

4. History of Podcasting
Podcasting would not be possible without these new
developments.
• Internet has emerged tremendously since the mid 90s.
• Weblogs started to appear (blogging became popular)
• RSS feed was created by Dave Winer
• Audio blogging (recording themselves speaking)
• Podcatcher software by Adam Curry
• MP3 (allows people to take their music with them)
• Apple iPod
• The word Podcast was discovered on February 12,2004, by
Ben Hammersley.
New podcasting technologies continue to grow and new ideas
are formed. Podcasting is moving at the speed of light!

5. There are two ways that Podcasting is
used as an educational tool.
1. Listening
2. Creating

6. Accessing Podcasts
To listen to a podcast, you will use an MP3 player, I Pod, or a
computer with an audio player.
Listen to this video to help you understand
what Podcasting is.
CommonCraft video Podcasting in Plain
English.
http://www.commoncraft.com/podcasting

7. Reasons to use Podcasts
People are quickly connected to the world in many ways.
Podcasts give learners access to information and gives this
information in exciting new ways. Students actively
participate in creations of podcasts.
Other reasons for using podcasts in the library are to
• Promote the library with storytelling, newsletters, and
writing podcasts.
• Use student products to share learning (student-produced
podcasts).
• Share school news and get the community involved
especially in the use of technology.
• Provide professional development such as writing book
reviews, tutorials, and discussions.

8. Advantages in Podcasts
1. Files can be viewed or listened to anytime. You do not
have to be on a computer to assess files.
2. Podcasting is a valuable tool for students who want to
review or understand lessons to improve. Audio files and
videos are helpful for studying and working.
3. Files are inexpensive. They may be uploaded to any
website.
4. Students are motivated.
5. With a podcast students can be contacted anytime.
Podcasts do not have expiration dates.

9. Disadvantages in Podcasts
1. Materials must have audio or video files to be fully
accessible.
2. Uploading files can be time-consuming.
3. Large files require broadband connection and will be
difficult for those who have slow dial-up connections.
4. The file format might not be compatible to all MP3
players and iPods.
5. Students might produce less work because of distractions
such as watching movies or listening to music.

10. There are three steps in the
podcasting process.
1. An audio file is uploaded to the web.
2. An RSS (Really Simple Syndication) is uploaded to
the web.
3. The podcatcher, which is an application that reads
the RSS feeds, downloads the audio file.

11. Create a Podcast
1. Gather hardware and software
• microphone
• computer(recording and editing software)
• speakers
• RSS feed (free online services that can create podcast feeds)
2. Decide on content such as a template, theme music,
images, and text (such as an introduction, breaks, and
a conclusion). Make sure you are copyright-compliant.
3. Practice until the session flows smoothly.
4. Record the podcast using the software.

12. 5. Test the podcast by listening to it and share it
with others.
6. Publish the podcast by linking the file to a website
with an RSS feed or download manually. Share
the podcast and submit on a Podcast directory
service such as Podcast.net or iTunes Music Store.
Podcast Alley, or Podcast Pickle. Test it so it
actually works.
7. Promote the podcast by advertising within the school and
encourage others to subscribe.
8. Evaluate and adjust your template. Make changes if
needed.

13. Examples of podcasts in a library
With creativity and encouragement, librarians
can enhance student learning by embracing
podcasting and other emerging technologies.
Podcasting calls for editing, oral reading, and
presentation skills. Teachers are finding that
Web 2.0 applications such as podcasts and video-
sharing sites move learning beyond the walls of
the classroom.

14. Here are some examples:
• Storytelling for children or visually-impaired.
• Newsletters
• Writing creative Podcasts
• Book talks and book reviews
• Student podcasts can include interviews with
peers, community members, and authors.
• Dramatizations of students’ creative writing
• Reading of books to demonstrate skills

15. More examples :
• Introductory lessons
• Tutorials
• Commercials
• Model speeches
• Replay highlights of games

16. Other examples
• Self-guided walking tours
• Band clips
• Talk shows- sport casts
• Training for teachers
• Music shows

17. Listen to this video of a book talk.
Bookwink http://www.bookwink.com
Other links