- POD... Do YOU…? An Approach to Changing the Way We Teach TODAY Gwendolyn P. Thomas Teacher-Facilitator of Technology St. Mary Parish School Board

We KNOW that…. Technology – welcome, viable tool of instruction. Today’s students - digital natives; intuitively aligned/wired. Students use technology resources in multiple ways outside the classroom.

THEN SHALL WE… capitalize on what works to: - promote active student engagement. - increase academic achievement.

Podcasting – An Instructional Approach to Success More than 125,000 podcasts are available to subscribers. The numbers continue to climb… Adults as well as children listen to and/or watch them daily. - entertainment and instructional purposes.

Podcast - defined A digital media file which is accessible over the Internet which can be downloaded to a laptop, computer, iPod, pocket PC, handheld, or other device. A mini-radio show.

Types of Podcasts Standard/AudioEnhanced (podcast w/pictures) Video (Vodcast) audioxxx still imagesxxx chaptersxx hyperlinksx full-motion video x equipmentmicrophone microphone, chapter software video camera, microphone (opt) file sizesmallsmall - medium medium - very large skill University of Houston

Podcasting - How does it work? An audio file is sent with the RSS (Real Simple Syndication) feed. RSS feeds - makes it possible for web sites to allow subscribers to receive summaries of new content posted. RSS feeds are posted as text files in XML format.

What do I need? For Creating Podcasts Required A computer An Internet connection An audio recording device: microphone, camcorder, etc Text editing software (for creating the RSS file) Access to a web server for hosting your content RSS-enabled browser or RSS aggregator software for testing

For Creating Podcasts Optional A camcorder for recording video (vodcasts only) Podcast creating software A portable media device for testing Image editing software for creating images to use as artwork in enhanced podcasts

What else do I need? For Listening to Podcasts Required A computer An Internet connection RSS-enabled browser or RSS aggregator software Optional A portable media device for listening to your podcasts on-the-go

“Before I Get Started….” Needs Assessment Content Equipment Audience Participants Assistance

First things first… Write a script or outline Involve as many as possible Select a topic Create name for the podcast Write story Decide roles Rehearse Trial run

Next item on the agenda… Recording USB headset microphone recommended Record short portions of audio at a time Record Introduction last – it should hook the listeners

Almost done….. Edit the audio Arrange the audio in proper order Add music and sound effects - Make sure that music is “podsafe” Give the artist credit

Some podsafe music sites The Free Sound Project SoundSnap Flash Kit - Sound FX Podcast Bumper Music fOUR bEES Free Media Podsafe Audio Common Content: Catalog ACIDplanet offers a free 8-pack of loops each Friday. ACIDplanet

Lastly….. Publishing Copy the MP3 file to the server Need a webpage and an RSS feed - HTML editor (DreamWeaver or FrontPage) - Blog posting Use software that creates the RSS feed Submit web address of RSS feed to podcast directories

Subscribe to Podcasts iTunes software – free for Windows and Macs Internet Explorer 7 Firefox iPodder Juice Safari

Podcast Resources Learninginhand University of Houston Podcasting News

Podcasting - Benefits Audio and/or video files are published to the Web. Provide information. Improves verbal communication. Communicate with others in a global community. Share projects. Active student engagement with real-world connections Allows students some level of flexibility.

Podcast Sample Ideas Current events Book reviews Interviews Field trip documentation – road diaries Review course content Class discussions

Podcast Samples “Happy Mother’s Day” /Podcast.html /Podcast.html “What’s Better, Mac or PC?” TV_Episode_20_-_Mac_vs_PC--whats_better.mp4 TV_Episode_20_-_Mac_vs_PC--whats_better.mp4 “It’s as Simple as 1, 2, 3…!” mas /rss.xml mas /rss.xml