A podcast is an audio file archived on the Internet in such a way that it can be automatically accessed by a personal computer, downloaded and transferred to a portable MP3 player.
Although the term derives from combining the terms iPod and broadcasting, the technology can be utilised across Apple and PC platforms. |
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| Accessing existing podcasts |
| You need to have software that will play mp3 files. Once an appropriate podcast has been sourced, it can be manually downloaded. The process may be slightly different for each site, so it is important to read the instructions. Podcasts may also be delivered to your computer automatically by subscribing to a podcast feed. A good general introduction to podcasting can be
found on the ABC's Radio National site. |
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| Subscribing to podcast feeds |
It is possible to receive podcasts automatically from your favourite sites. You will need an RSS aggregator such as Juice Receiver (formerly iPodder) or iTunes. Variations in the RSS standards mean that not all podcasts are compatible with all aggregators.
Be aware that schools operating behind fire walls may not be able to take advantage of subscription services and many schools block the downloading of mp3 files. |
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| Creating podcasts |
| There are three main stages in creating a basic podcast: |
- 1. Recording. You will need a microphone and software such as Audacity (cross-platform) or GarageBand (Apple) to record your sound file. A number of sites on the Internet offer tutorials for using the software, such as this one on setting up and using Audacity by Jake Ludington and Apple's page on using GarageBand for podcasting.
- 2. Publishing. Once you have created your audio file and saved it, usually in mp3 format you need to upload it to a webserver. Many sites on the internet, including Blogger offer free podcast hosting services. Make sure you read the Terms of Service.
- 3. Publicising. Having created your podcast and uploaded it to make it available to potential users you need to provide a way for users to access your files. This may be as simple as providing a link from an existing webpage or more complex, such as creating an rss feed document which will allow users to subscribe to your podcast. Depending on the traffic your webpage receives, and the intended audience for your podcast, you may also choose to register your podcast. Examples of podcast directories include: The Podcast Directory, Yahoo Podcasts and Podfeed. A comprehensive list of Podcasts Suitable for Educators, Schools and Colleges is maintained by RECAP.
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| Educational Value of Podcasts |
Podcasts can be created from original material by students and teachers or existing audio files can be downloaded for classroom use.
Creating a podcast allows students to share learning experiences. It provides them with a world-wide audience that makes learning meaningful and assessment authentic. Teachers can use the technology to provide additional and revision material to students to download and review at a time that suits them. The flexibility that such time-shifting offers makes podcasting a valuable educational tool. |
- Podcasting 101 for K-12 Librarians
Esther Kreider Eish Computers in Libraries April 2006
Discusses the role of the Teacher Librarian in using podcasts to foster enhanced student learning, teacher participation, and collaboration.
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| Educational Podcasts |
| An increasing number of podcasts that are suitable for students are being made available from reliable organisations such as the ABC and CSIRO. |
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| Classroom and Teacher Applications |
| These sites demonstrate how Western Australian teachers and their students are using podcasts to enhance teaching and learning. |
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| Getting Started |
- Podcasting Basics Highly Recommended
An excellent online course is available from the RECAP website. Programme Director and Course Leader, Dave Jobbings, provides an introduction to educational podcasting and gives an overview of some of the key podcasting basics.
These include:
- audio podcasts
- enhanced podcasts
- video podcasts
- basic RSS feeds
- content management
This Moodle course allows Guest Access or users may create their own accounts for free.
- How to Podcast
A "plain English" guide to podcasting for the beginner or the expert.
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| Podcast Wizards |
| A number of Internet sites offer free creation tools and hosting for podcasts. These sites offer a quick way to record and publish a podcast where the educational emphasis is on the content of the podcast rather than on developing the technology skills required to create your own podcast. |
- Gcast. Make Your Voice Heard
Whether you're podcasting a 30-sec phone message or a 30-min radio show, you can publish it with Gcast for FREE. Gcast will store your media and automatically generate the "RSS feed" that enables listeners to "tune in" to your podcast channel.
- Switch Pod
When you create an account at Switchpod, you get your own folder hosted on our servers to manage your podcasts. We have several hosting packages that range from free to $30 per month based on what you require from your host.
- Shockpod
When you become a free member at Shockpod, you obtain a folder on their server in which you may store up to 90MB of podcasts/vidcasts at no charge.
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| Copyright and Podcasts |
| An information sheet has been produced by the Copyright Advisory Group (CAG) - a committee of the Schools Resourcing Taskforce (SRT) of the Australian Ministerial Council on Education, Employment, Training and Youth Affairs (MCEETYA). This sheet provides an overview of the current situation in regard to the use of podcasts in schools. |
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CMIS Podcasts  |
You can listen to CMIS podcasts online by double clicking on the Listen link.
Right click on the Download link and select Save As to download the file to your computer and listen to the podcast later.
To subscribe to the CMIS Podcast click here and copy the url of the page that opens into your chosen podcast aggregator. [ iTunes is our recommended aggregator]
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