04.02-08+Podcast

Week 11 - Creating a Podcast

A very different technology from those we have discussed so far is that of podcasting. The opportunities for students to create their own podcasts which would be an opportunity for working a higher level thinking skills or something just for fun. Because this is a technology that could take a lot of time, the librarian who wants to experiment with this will want something that is easy to produce and distribute. The potential for podcasting and the library is expertly discussed at "Audio & Podcasting." //WebTools4U2Use//​. http://webtools4u2use.wikispaces.com/Audio+%26+Podcasting. Some of the important subdivisions in this topic are:
 * Using Podcasts in the Media Center
 * Creating Podcasts
 * Music and Sound Effects
 * Information about podcasting and online audio tools

For this week I want you to create a short podcast. I am going to suggest applications that you can use, but you can use anything you would like.
 * I would like some intro and outro music -- doesn't have to be long (a few seconds, etc. but something that makes it clear that something is starting and ending. (Of course the music has to be something that could be broadcast.)
 * It can be on any topic -- choose something you would like to listen to. One of the great things about podcasts is the fact that they can be about anything because no expensive equipment is required.
 * In order for it to be a podcast, it needs to be audio that is recorded and sharable. If you do Audioboo be sure to embed in your wiki.
 * When you get done, post a link to your podcast on Blackboard and discuss what potential you see for this in a school/library setting.

Keep in mind this is a podcast. You can do an enhanced podcast that uses still images with an application like GarageBand but podcasts are mainly to be **listened** to. Keep in mind that I might be walking the dog or cooking pancakes while I'm listening to your conversation. Don't podcast about something that is mainly visual because I can't see it.

Also, try making the podcast a little more professional sounding:
 * work with fading out the music at the beginning and fading in the music at the end
 * try overlapping the music with your voice at the beginning and the end rather than just blunt stopping and starting the music
 * introduce your podcast with the topic for the day -- and be upbeat


 * Easiest:**
 * Audioboo  The disadvantage with Audioboo is that you are limited to three minutes on the free plan and some students found it not as intuitive as Spreaker.
 * Mark Barnes, "Podcasting with Audio Boo" http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nwsbt9XTzAM
 * Richard Byrne, "Audioboo - Easily Create and Share Audio Messages" http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2011/06/audioboo-easily-create-and-share-audio.html#.UPRHZ6F2GVc


 * Easy**
 * Spreaker 
 * "Spreaker - Video Tutorial - Signup and Live Broadcast in Just a Few Minutes." // ​YouTube. // http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=yWr-BDzsTVw
 * This has the advantage of have more minutes than Audioboo and also has music to choose from.
 * GarageBand (Macintosh - cost)
 * Podcast can be uploaded to iTunes


 * Other**
 * Audacity (free) - great software but you will need to find a host for your podcast. (Windows/Mac/Linux)

GRADING
 * 3 -5 minute duration demonstrates planning and is without major sound errors (10 points) (Time span changed 7 April 2013).
 * Intro and outro music/theme (5 points)
 * Discussion on Blackboard of the project and comments on other students' projects. (10 points)
 * Discuss how podcasts could be used in your school. Do some research on LM_NET archives for how other librarians are using podcasts. http://lmnet-archive.iis.syr.edu/