By S. Lee

Podcast is an audio or video content being transferred over the internet. Podcast means a series of episodes (audio or video) in MP3 or MP4 files. “Pod” originally means iPod, which has been one of the most popular audio device. Nowadays, podcast can be played in any portable digital-media device.

1. Audio – sound only, XML (Extensible Markup Language) protocol using RSS (Really Simple Syndication) feed, most popular in MP3 players 2. Enhanced Audio – sound with images,, use ACC (Advanced Audio Coding) files, not supported by some devices 3. Video – movies and many other forms, MPEG-4 format (MPEG means Moving Picture Expert Group), recently gaining popularity (above is referenced from Tony Vincent’s site)

* iTunes offered podcasts for free * Podcast Alley is a popular site to find podcasts * Learn Out Loud hosted many free educational audio and video podcasts

Business people can use audio or video podcasts in many ways: Professional Training Public Relations Marketing strategies Promotional activities (referenced from

Listen to audio podcasts Produce podcasts with students Use podcasts to communicate with students or parents Watch video podcasts…

- summarize a chapter - reflection of reading materials - interview or dialogue for characters in a book - create a poem - record a song or rap - audio documentation of discussion - many other possible uses...

English Language Arts (e.g. English Teacher John Show od_id=8577) od_id=8577 Math (e.g. MathGrad Science (e.g. 60-Second Science hosted by Scientific American History (e.g. Speaking of History od_id=31733) od_id=31733

Willowdale Elementary School in Nebraska hosted the Radio WillowWeb at their school’s website with all “Willowcasts” recorded by Grades K-5 students

The School District of Philadelphia also published podcasts produced by students in elementary schools – Willard School and Overbrook Elementary

During the weeks we are looking at microscopes, I plan my lesson into 3 phases: * Phase 1 – students form collaborative groups and brainstorm ideas * Phase 2 – students write the script and practice the script * Phase 3 – record podcasts using Audacity software & convert to MP3 files

1. An interview with scientists in microscope history (Mia Show) 2. Microscope song/rap

3. An interview with scientists in microscope history (commercial in the middle) 4. Microscope songs “Top 4 countdown”

* Equipment – need to have good quality microphone, headphones and multiple producers may use headset splitter * Timing – need to estimate preparation time (i.e. writing first draft of script to editing the final draft of script) but the recording time could be quick (i.e. simple recording) or long (i.e. adding special effects such as echoing, adding background music, fading out at the end, etc.)

* Good Introduction - Tony Vincent published a free booklet at his website named Podcasting for Teachers and Students booklet/ booklet/ * Free Software - Audacity is the commonly used free software for podcasting

* This video (click the link below) shows the basic recording features include: 1. Clip out error in the recording 2. Adjust volume of background music 3. Split stereo recording track into individual (solo) clip for editing in each clip 4. Use “Time Shift” tool to shift audio clip around

* Audacity 1.2 version using Windows XP or previous Window versions - Need to add “LAME MP3 encoding” as Plug-ins (follow Audacity site) - Convert Audacity files under “File” and “Export as MP3” * Audacity 1.3 version using Windows 7 or previous Window versions - Allow for several additional plug-ins - Covert to MP3 similar to 1.2 version but more flexibility in drop down box during export to MP3

* Equipments should be checked to minimize technical problems. * View the introduction with the basic steps in using Audacity software - get yourself familiar with the software before actual recording. * Plan for extra time including writing the drafts of the script BEFORE podcast recording. * Be flexible and enjoy the process!

Further references on podcasting is available at my Expert Project portfolio. (click link) Expert Project portfolio