Podcasting



= = = = =Podcasting, What is It?=

===Podcasting is the creation and delivery of an audio file. The audio file is made available using an RSS feed so that it can be downloaded and listened to on a computer or portable audio player. The term podcasting was created by combining the word broadcast with the word Ipod, for which the audio was initially intended to be downloaded to in mp3 format. More recently, the process of podcasting has also been expanded and developed to include video broadcasting, sometimes refered to as Vodcasting or Vidcasting.===

media type="youtube" key="SCkthdrOzrQ" height="405" width="500"

=What is unique about Podcasting?=

===One of the unique features of podcasting is its load and go capability. After subscribing to and downloading a program onto a portable audio device you can take that program with you. For the listener, podcasting provides the opportunity for a program to be played, replayed, stopped, rewound, reviewed and fast forwarded countless numbers of times. This allows the learner unlimited access to the information provided in the podcasting program. This type of learning format has been proven to be extremely beneficial in contrast to the standard process in which the learner is exposed to a single instructional event.=== = = = = = = = = = = = = =Did it replace or enhance something else used for teaching and learning?=

===**Depending upon the goals of the educator or publisher, podcasting can be used to either replace or enhance teaching and learning. The versatillity of the podcast allows the listeners to follow along with existing material or use in place of printed material or more traditional classroom instruction. In many classrooms, teachers and professors are recording and podcasting their lectures and powerpoint presentations and see this as just another step in the teaching process. In these situations students may be expected to preview the material and come to class prepared to discuss the content or complete activities based on the podcast.**===

===**Podcasting is not just about one-to-many delivery lecture material; it also allows professors to reconfigure the use of class time in ways that enhancethe intimate learning environment.(Blankenship. 2007)**===

===**Outside of education, podcasting is having significant effects, as well. There are many instances in which leaders of business, industry and government are utilizing podcasting to supplement printed material. In cases where the business operates exclusively as an on-line service, podcasting can serve as the salesperson or doorman, welcoming the visitor into the showroom.**===

= = = = =How does Podcasting work for today's learner?= = = = =

===For today's multi-tasking learner, podcasting is another tool for information gathering and a medium to demonstrate their knowledge and skills. In addition to its load and go capability, mentioned above, podcasting gives the learners the chance to take ownership of a finished product. During activities in which students are required to create their own podcasts, they become an active participant in the learning process. As they write, edit, record and publish a podcast and respond to feedback of that podcast the active learning transforms into a tangible product of what they know and what they can do.=== = = = = = = = = = = == = = = = = = =Types of Podcasts=

[|Podcast.com]
= = =Concerns Regarding Podcasts=


 * 1) ===a microphone===
 * 2) ===a computer===
 * 3) ===a recording program (audacity is popular and free)===
 * 4) ===an RSS Feed===

===Depending on the amount of money you are willin to invest, the type and quality of these basic components varies. As you put together a podcast, keep in mind that recording and editing programs, RSS feeds and WebHosting sites range from free, opensource, shareware programs to programs with all sorts of features that can be purchased at varied costs. There are also numerous tutorial programs which guide the newcomer through a step-by-step processin the development of a podcasting program.===

===In the selection of of the components required to develop a podcast the most serious consideration must be given to the content of the Podcast. Making sure that all material is "Podsafe," that is, legally permitted to be used in the Podcast is a must. Music and effects, as well as the sp ecific informational audio contained in the podcast must not violate copyright laws. There are on-line sites which provide free music and sound clips for use in podcast programming. They include the following:===


 * 1) [|**The Freesound Project**]
 * 2) [|**Royalty Music**]
 * 3) [|**PodsafeAudio**]

**As for the instructional information contained on the podcast it is up to the individual or group to create their own material or credit those who provided it to them.**
= = = = =References=

===Blankenship, Laura. "Podcasting in Education: A Perspective from Bryn Mawr College." __Academic Commons__. 16 Apr. 2009. 17 Apr. 2009 [].===

**McIntyre, Chris. “What is a Podcast?” __Podcast Alley__. 17 Apr. 2009. 17 Apr. 2009 [].**
===**Ovadia, Micah. " Learn how to bring the benefits of podcasting to your classoom." __Poducate Me Practical Solutions for Podcasting in Education__. 15 Apr. 2009. 15 Apr. 2009 [|http://poducateme.com/].**===

**"What is Podcasting?" __PodcastingTools__. 12 Apr. 2009. 12 Apr. 2009 []**
= =