Introduction
What is a Podcast?
A Podcast is a digital medium consisting of an episodic series of audio, video, PDF, or ePub files subscribed to and downloaded through web syndication or streamed online to a computer or mobile device. The word is derived from “broadcast” and “pod” from the success of the iPod, as audio podcasts are often listened to on portable media players.
A list of all the audio or video files associated with a given series is maintained centrally on the distributor's server as a web feed, and the listener or viewer employs special client application software, known as a podcatcher, that can access this web feed, check it for updates, and download any new files in the series. This process can be automated so that new files are downloaded automatically, which may seem to the user as if the content is being broadcast or "pushed" to them. Files are stored locally on the user's computer or other device ready for offline use, giving simple and convenient access to the content.[2][3] Podcasting contrasts with webcasting (Internet streaming), which generally isn't designed for offline listening to user-selected content.
Task
By the end of this webquest, You should be able to:
1. 4 Types of Podcasts
2. How to create your own podcast using audacity?
3. Educational uses of podcast
4. Benefits in the classroom.
Process
The 4 Types of Podcasts
1. Audio podcasts are (yes) audio only. They are generally mp3 format (can also be AAC) and may be the most common type of podcast. Audio podcasts (in mp3 format) are the most compatible with all computers and portable media devices. Positive aspects of audio podcasts include their relatively small file size, usually less than 10MB depending on length, and that they are relatively easy to create. A negative aspect of this type of podcast is that the content or message is limited to audio only. However depending on the content, the audience, and the purpose that may be all that is necessary.
2. Video podcast is a term used for the online delivery of video content. The term is used to distinguish between podcasts which most commonly contain audio files and those referring to the distribution of video. However, the term Podcast has from its inception described the distribution of digital media files, including video and audio via RSS enclosures and hence the terms video podcast, vodcast or less commonly vidcast. are redundant. (wikipedia, July 7, 2009) Video podasts are rapidly becoming a popular format for traditional media and television networks. For example, the NBC and CBS Nightly News are just two of the video podcasts that have been created to “re-purpose” content, and most shows on PBS and NPR are available as either audio or video podcasts.
Unlike an audio podcast, creating a video podcast is like any other video production project and requires more production and planning time to produce. In regard to file size, downloading a video podcast requires a high bandwidth connection because they are large files (typically upwards of 100 MB each depending on the length). The preferred format for video podcasts is typically .m4v or mp4 H.264, and they can be created and consumed by both Mac and Windows users.
3.Enhanced podcasts are a somewhat unique type of podcast that combine audio podcast with synced images, similar to a narrated slideshow. They often contain multiple still images that change like a slideshow, and you can also add live URL links to Websites as well as chapter markers to skip around the podcast. Technically, enhanced podcasts are audio files in .m4a format (also known as mp4 or AAC format), with a layer for embedding the synced images. The enhanced podcast format has been adopted by Apple and Sony, and are essentially playable on any Mac or Windows computer that has iTunes installed. Enhanced podcasts do not currently play in Windows Media Player. A benefit of enhanced podcasts is that they present both visual and audio content, but the file size is nearly the same as a typical audio-only podcast, and exponentially smaller than a video podcast! At the time of this blog post enhanced podcasts can really only be created on a Mac computer with Garageband (for now).
4. A Screencast is a digital recording of computer screen output, also known as a video screen capture, often containing audio narration. Although the term screencast dates from 2004, products such as Lotus ScreenCam were used as early as 1994. Early products produced large files and had limited editing features. More recent products support more compact file formats such as Adobe Flash, and mp4/H.264, and have more sophisticated editing features allowing changes in sequence, mouse movement, and audio. Just as a screenshot is a picture of a user’s screen, a screencast is essentially a movie of the changes over time that a user sees on his monitor (wikipedia, July 7, 2009).
Finally, it is important to note that you do NOT need an iPod to create or listen to podcasts! In fact a 2005 Bridge Ratings consumer survey found that over 80% of users simply listen to downloaded podcasts on their
computer or laptop and the podcasts never make it to an iPod or other digital media device.
Providing Alternative Teaching and Learning Approaches
Podcasting has the potential to support and promote a wide range of alternative teaching and
learning approaches across all stages of the curriculum in a wide range of contexts and in
different locations both within and away from school.
Teachers might use podcasting to:
• ensure that curriculum activities take
cognisance of this emerging and
increasingly utilised pupil friendly
technology
• create audio material for learning ‘on demand’, anytime/anywhere, e.g. lessons and
Instructions for homework and exam revision which pupils and their parents can
Access in their own time
• engage and motivate pupils e.g. challenge pupils to progress beyond written work
and PowerPoint to present and submit podcasts which do not entail the same
complexity as digital video
• promote creativity in the classroom, e.g. invite pupils to create a podcast to meet a
real need such as an element of coursework or a survey
• supplement existing text resources and audio methodologies such as CDs to support
the development of oral and aural literacy skills across the curriculum, e.g. getting
pupils to listen to podcasts to help them develop their critical faculties
• provide additional tailored content linked directly to class activities within the context
of the different curriculum areas, e.g. audio explanations by the teacher of key
scientific concepts to complement text book material and support pupils’
comprehension
• create differentiated materials that can be matched to the abilities, needs and
motivation of different pupils, e.g.
How to create a podcast?
- Recording
- Ø For this you will need a microphone and an audio recording software. Every software has instructions to guide you through your recording process. Make sure you practice speaking till you get confident enough then start recording.
Example of software:
Audacity is a free, open source, cross platform software for recording and editing sounds. It is available for both Windows, Mac, GNU/Linux and other operating system.
2. Test your Podcast
Always make sure you listen to your podcasts and redo the parts that you don’t like until you finally get the version you want then move to the next step.
3. Publish your podcast
You can use online platforms for publishing your podcast. If you have a blog for your class you can publish it there, you can also submit it to the public podcast directory services such as iTunes Music Store, Podcast.net, OurMedia.org, Podcast Alley, or Podcast Pickle.
4. Promote/Publicise your podcast
Now that you have recorded and uploaded your podcast, you will have to start promoting it so that others know about it. This can be done through providing the podcast link ( url of the page where it is hosted) or through creating an RSS Feed document which will let users subscribe to your podcast.
Evaluation
1. identify the different kinds of podcast and its uses.
2.How to create your own podcast?
Conclusion
This is the end of the webquest! You are now an expert of identifying the different kinds of podcast and its uses, the benefits in the classroom and to make podcast.
Credits
http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/podcast
http://ctlt.weebly.com/podcasts.html
‘Listening to Themselves: Podcasting Takes Lessons Beyond the
Classroom’ at: www.edutopia.org/podcasting-student-broadcasts An interesting
article on the ‘Edutopia’ website which describes podcasting in a primary
classroom