PART I: WHAT IS podcasting?
PART II: NEED MORE INFORMATION? CHECK THIS OUT!
For a more detailed explanation of Podcasting, click the following link to read the EDUCAUSE "7 Things You Should Know About Podcasting" article
PART III: podcasting IN THE CLASSROOM
Podcasting could be used for telling stories, how-to's, interviews, daily class news, or be used as a radio program. The possibilities of topics for podcasts is vast and, with the right topic, it is sure to engage students in a fun learning experience!
PART IV: HOW TO GET STARTED
PROCESS
FAMILIARIZE YOURSELFWhen creating a podcast, style, organization, and flow matter. Make sure to listen to podcasts that already exist to get a feel of the flow of the narrator, the content and the organizational style of the podcast.
purposeDefine the role that podcasting will have in your classroom, so that its inclusion in your class will benefit the students. As their first podcast, students could create a "how-to" on making podcasts to familiarize themselves with the process. After this, think carefully: how often will the podcasts be updated? What subjects will the students talk about? What will your expectations of each podcast be? Will all students be expected to update, and how often?
POdcast Uploading PlatformPodcast Uploading Platform: Several platforms exist for uploading your podcast. These are the ones that I would recommend:
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MATERIALS NEEDEDComputer With Internet Access
Headset Microphone to record narration and listen to audio.
Audio Recording Software such as:
Images and Audio using the Public Domain or Creative Commons Licensing
EXAMPLE Podcasts & OTHER RESOURCES |
PART V: MY THOUGHTS ON podcasting
Podcasts, oh podcasts! I do enjoy creating podcasts! It is definitely a fun and engaging experience. The first time that I created a podcast, however, I found myself frustrated with the recording and editing. To record my narration, I used several "free" recording programs, but, in the end, I found Audacity to be the one for me. I highly recommend using SoundCloud as the platform for uploading your completed podcast, as I was able to navigate the site quickly and found the uploading process to be very simple.
I will admit that the most time consuming element for me was the addition of the music to be used as a transition between my narration. There are simply too many choices licensed under creative commons that make the decision more difficult, so have fun exploring! From sound effects, to music that you could shorten, I find that the music selected is what really keeps the audience listening!
I find that students like the challenge of podcasting and enjoy taking on various character roles in the narration of their podcast. I hope to expand podcasting more into my classroom, and also use it as a sort of "digital newsletter" that parents could listen to.
Overall, podcasting can be complex, but I definitely feel that it is worth the effort. The more you do, the easier it will become! So get listening and try podcasting today!
I will admit that the most time consuming element for me was the addition of the music to be used as a transition between my narration. There are simply too many choices licensed under creative commons that make the decision more difficult, so have fun exploring! From sound effects, to music that you could shorten, I find that the music selected is what really keeps the audience listening!
I find that students like the challenge of podcasting and enjoy taking on various character roles in the narration of their podcast. I hope to expand podcasting more into my classroom, and also use it as a sort of "digital newsletter" that parents could listen to.
Overall, podcasting can be complex, but I definitely feel that it is worth the effort. The more you do, the easier it will become! So get listening and try podcasting today!
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