What is podcasting? What’s the point? Check out the Commoncraft classic video “Podcasting in Plain English.” Audacity is an audio recorder/editor available for free download for the Mac and PC. This is the software we support at SEU because its easy to use, produces professional quality audio and it’s free! NOTE: When you download Audacity, don’t forget to install the mp3 encoder or you won’t be able to export your files as an mp3. How to Podcast is a website of video tutorials about creating podcasts using Audacity from planning to exporting the file as an mp3. This is the tutorial series that my podcasting workshop is based off. ForeverGeek has a concise and helpful guide to podcasting that can be printed out for later reference. Lots of easy to use, actionable ideas. For Mac owners, Apple provides quick video tutorials for Garage Band, including how to use Garage Band to create podcasts. Download the music MP3 for the “Creating Podcasts in Audacity” workshop, offered monthly.
Beyond Basics:
Interested in the legalities revolving podcasting? Creative Commons has a podcasting legal guide available to help make sense of it all. The most effective way to get your podcast out there and available for download is to submit your podcast feed to iTunes, where it will be free to download from their massive directory. The best part is that you don’t have to be some mega-company to do so - anyone can submit a podcast! Here is Apple’s specifications for submitting your podcast.
Podcasting in the Classroom
Apple provides educators with resources and videos for using podcasts. Apple also suggests some education-related podcasts to sample for those looking to get a feel for how education podcasts sound. Apple collaborates with schools to host educational podcasts such as lectures and events on campus - learn more about iTunes U on the Apple website. What do student podcasts sound like? Listen to the podcasts produced by Corinne Weisgerber’s Social Media for PR class at SEU. Her class blog and students’ blogs are also an excellent example of blogging in the classroom. Liz Evans’ writeup about her student-created podcasts for her literature class at Swarthmore College is a prime example of integrating podcasting into a course. She describes how she structured her podcast assignments and the student feedback. Questions for Megan? Just Ask!
