Podcasting

What is it?
​ Podcasting is an online audio tool that is used to deliver information through the use of RSS feeds. Podcasting is user friendly. People can listen to podcasts at any time of the day and at any place. This allows listeners to decide when and where they can access their podcast.People who use podcasting are able to download the material they want to listen to through the use of RSS feeds. When a person downloads a podcast it comes to them in the format of a mp3 file. //Source:// //Making your first podcast//. (2004). Retrieved from http://www.podcastingnews.com/articles/How-to-Podcast.html
 * Chelsea **

Podcasting describes the process of using audio files to deliver syndicated website content to a digital audience. Basically, in podcasting, you create audio files that are available on your website, which people can then download to their iPods or MP3 players and listen to. “Podcasts” are delivered through RSS (Rich Site Summary) feeds; users subscribe to various podcasts which are then checked regularly for updates – just like [|blogs]. So podcasting is essentially another medium for delivering syndicated web content to your users.( Teri Jarvey-Berg)

Podcasting is online audio content that is delivered via an RSS feed. In addition, with Podcasting, listeners can determine the time and the place, meaning they decide what programming they want to receive and when they want to listen to it. Listeners can retain audio archives to listen to at their leisure. While blogs have turned many bloggers into journalists, podcasting has the potential to turn podcasters into radio personalities. (Lorin Kelly)

The best way to understand Podcasts is to imagine a merger between radio and blogging. In the purest form of the term, Podcasts are published as RSS feeds (most blogging software features RSS feed generation). Listeners are notified of new programs by their aggregators, which then download the programs and then transfer them to the listener's MP3 audio player, such as an iPod. Podcasting is essentially radio programming that can be produced with a standard computer, microphone, free software, and a web site for posting your programming. It can be listened to with any computer connected to the Internet and able to play standard MP3 audio files. (T.J. Shannon)


 * A Podcast is just an audio file that is syndicated via an RSS feed, that you download and listen to with your computer or a portable device such as an iPod. What makes it different from an ordinary RSS feed is the audio component included in the "enclosure field." Think of it as a feed that talks to you.
 * Any software that can play a sound file can play a podcast.
 * Like other RSS feeds, you can choose which you want to subscribe to, and can unsubscribe whenever you want.
 * Source: http://www.podcasting-tools.com/podcasting-101.htm (Abbey Kogler Finn)

Podcasting is a series of digital media files that can be either audio or video that users can download thru the Internet on a mobile electronic device. Podcasts are delivered thru Rich Site Summary or RSS feeds onto an IPod or MP3 player from a Internet computer. Aggregators allow listeners to be notified of new programs and updates. Unlike the radio, listeners can decide what programming they want to receive and when they want to listen to it. Listeners of podcasts can retain audio archives to listen to at their leisure. Podcasting allows users to listen and subscribe to material that interests them. (Evan James)

**How does it work?**
These 2 websites give directions and video explanations that will help you create your own podcast. (Teri Jarvey-Berg) [] []

Podcasting formats are as varied as the types of podcasts available. Some podcasts are like monologues where one person simply shares their ideas into a microphone for the listener to hear. Other podcasts are a dialogue between two or more people and may or may not follow format. Some podcasts are unscripted while others seem to be very scripted. Podcasting contain music, interviews, and while audio podcasts are quite popular now, audio/video podcasts are slowly gaining popularity as well. A consumer uses a type of software known as an aggregator, sometimes called a //podcatcher //or //podcast receiver //, to subscribe to and manage their feeds. (Lorin Kelly)

A Podcast is a very simple concept. One person, the broadcaster, records something and then releases it to his/her listeners over the internet. At the core a podcast is an audio file that is automatically received from the internet and then synced to your MP3 player. The files are received by subscribing to what's called a podcast feed. Sometimes you also hear this called an RSS feed. To subscribe to a podcast you use a software program called a podcatcher. Sometimes this is also called a podcast aggregator, but they mean the same thing; it's the software that you use to subscribe to and receive podcasts. Even though subscribing to a feed is the most convenient way to receive podcast, you don’t have to subscribe to listen. Many podcasts can also be streamed from the web or downloaded directly as an MP3 file. (T.J. Shannon)

Podcasting is very user friendly and easy to use. The process begins by a producer recording material and then releasing it thru the Internet for listeners to use. The central computer and the electronic device being used for the podcast (MP3 player or IPod) sync the audio file containing the podcast. Users are subscribing to the "podcast feed" in order to receive the files. Podcast aggregators, also known as podcast receivers or podcatchers, are used in the subscription and retrieval process. Subscribing is not the only way users can use podcasts, they can also be downloaded directly or streamed from the web. ITunes and other software do a fantastic job teaching first time users how to use podcasts. (Evan James)

Podcasting requires three simple tests. The first thing a person has to do is create an audio file. The second step is adding the audio file to an RSS 2.0 feed.Third tell people about your podcast, so they can listen to it. For more information and detail of each of the steps visit the following website: [|How to Podcast] //Source: Making your first podcast//. (2004). Retrieved from http://www.podcastingnews.com/articles/How-to-Podcast.html
 * Chelsea **

I found these basic steps on a Podcasting 101 website. It's helpful in that it provides resources for downloading free software to create your podcast. 1) First you'll need to use software to record your own audio file. A good free one is Audacity which you can download at[] 2) Once your audio is recorded you'll need to create an RSS feed file which is simply a special text file with an RSS extension that also includes a particular enclosure tag. 3) Once your audio and RSS files are completed you'll need to upload both of them to your server/website. The full website has more detailed information and links to help you. http://www.podcasting-tools.com/podcasting-101.htm (Abbey Kogler Finn)

Why would a K-12 teacher use it?
Podcasts are another method or avenue through which teachers can convey the information they wish to teach. In an age in which teachers are striving to diversify their instruction for their diverse students, podcasts provide a great way to teach students who are especially audio or visual (if the podcast includes video) learners. In addition, in seeking to assist students who are the audio/visual learners, podcasts benefit all students, not just the audio/visual learners. This is an example of Universal Design for Learning. 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. A Podcast does not need to be used only in the form of a primary lesson. One of the best uses for it is supplementary instruction tool. For example, teachers can record their lectures and them post them in the form of Podcasts on the internet for students to later review. This is a great tool to study for tests. (T.J. Shannon)

A K-12 teacher would use this technology to give students another way to learn material and another method of colloboration. It provides students with experience with computer technology and does an excellent job of incorporating technology into all other subject areas. In addition, it opens up the options when considering project ideas. It is just one of many ways to do more than just pen and paper reports etc. (Teri)

A K-12 Teacher could use podcasting for several different reasons. In a PE and Health setting, it may be used to monitor student progress throughout the year. And the teacher could post it for the parents/guardians to see. A teacher could use it as assignments and/or final projects that the students can have some fun with. I think that using podcasting for these types of assignments and projects could really spark the student's imagination and they would want to have some fun with it and will WANT to return to health and/or physical education class. (Lorin Kelly)

** Chelsea **
A K-12 should use podcasting for many reasons. Firstoff students who are absent on a day of class would be able to listen to the material discussed and taught in class. This would make students feel like they are apart of the classroom even though they missed a day of class. It would be more beneficial for students to hear what they missed in class, than briefly talk to the teacher before that particular class began on the day that student returned to school. Podcasting is a great way to integrate technology into the classroom. Podcasting is an fast growing tool that many people are using. It is important to familiarize students with this so they can use podcasting to their benefit. Instead of creating posters or powerpoints, students could steer away from the traditional classroom assignments by creating a podcast.

· Podcasting acknowledges that education doesn't just occur during the school day. Classrooms are no longer closed to the outside world. Podcasts takes the material and makes it accessible via the web, whether it contains teacher lecture materials and formal lessons posted for review at home, extra supplemental info for the student wanting to go above and beyond outside of class, or student generated work designed to share with families and friends what they have learned.

· Podcasts support a constructivist, interactive environment. When students make podcasts about information they have gathered, they are becoming more engaged in the processing of that information. I think this quote is particularly relevant: "In a discussion of the term “edutainment,” Resnick (2004) believes that when computers are used simply to present images, videos, and other information on the screen, then computers are at odds with the student’s need for active engagement. Podcasting provides an opportunity for learners to take a more active role in their education by producing their own content. " http://traceywallace.org/Podcast%20Paper.pdf (Abbey Kogler Finn)

Teachers can deliver information to their students thru the use of podcasting. Podcasts are a great way to help audio/visual learners to retain information in an efficient way. They can be a great review and study methods for students to use. Hearing the information thru their MP3 player, IPod, or home computer can be immensely beneficial. Student's computer and technical skills can be improved as well by using podcasts. Podcasting gives students another option to use in collaborating with their peers and a method to present a project to the class. Podcasting does not have to happen just inside the classroom, but outside as well. (Evan James)

Provide examples for K-12 education:
Podcasting can be used for many different things in a classroom.
 * Chelsea **
 * Special Needs Students
 * Podcasting can be a great tool for students have disabilities. It would particularly be useful for a student who is visually impaired and for a student who has a slower processing speed.
 * The visually impaired student would be able to listen to the podcasts to refresh his or her memory on the material that was covered in class.
 * The student who has a slower processing speed may not be able to keep up with notes taken in class or they may have a difficult time listening and writing notes. The student would be able to access the podcast at any time and listen to it over and over to hear the information he or she may have missed.
 * Podcasting can be used for students who are taking online classes
 * For example students who use the IQ academy in Waukesha frequently listen to podcasts. This helps students learn the information and gives them a sense of being in a classroom setting.
 * Talk Shows
 * A teacher could have their students listen to news for current events. After listening to the podcast the student would be responsible for writing a brief summary on what they listened to.
 * Self-Guided Walking Tours
 * This is when a podcast is used to convey informational content. A teacher could post podcasts of their classes and make it available for students to access online. Students who are absent from class would benefit from this. They would be able to listen to the teachers lecture and hear what they missed in class.
 * Music
 * A teacher could use a podcast for a choir class. They could post a podcast of a song that the choir will be singing for an upcoming performance. This will allow students to listen to the song.

Teri: * Podcasting Reports: Review- Students create Podcasts as a review of what they have learned about a particular subject to share with family and/or classmates. * Word of the Day/Week- Teachers can put word wall/vocabulary words on a Podcasts to make it easier to learn and understand the new and challenging words. Also, students can show understanding of words by posting words and sentences showing understanding of word. *Interviews- Students can podcast with an individual/career they are reporting on. * Virtual lessons can be taught by the teacher and communication between different students/school/classrooms can encourage colloboration and long distance learning.

= Health  = You could assign your class to do some sort of a health talk show talking about different elements of health. For example one group could focus on nutrition, another group can focus on family planning, another group can talk about stress, etc. As a class you can have the students vote on the award for the best talk show and the group that wins will get some sort of a health prize! (Lorin Kelly) = Physical Education  = <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">[|Physical Education Podcast] (Lorin Kelly)
 * 1) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Record steps or instructions in mastering a particular skill, using diagrams, images or video footage where necessary. For example, create short videos about physical activities one should do to warm-up and warm- down after strenuous activities.
 * 2) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Record news stories and developments related to physical education and sport, for a radio show type segment.
 * 3) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Record interviews with athletes or experts in a particular sport or activity, for a radio show type segment.
 * 4) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Record commentary for a particular game or sport, for a radio show type segment.
 * 5) <span style="font-family: 'Times New Roman','serif'; font-size: 12pt; line-height: normal; margin: 0in 0in 10pt;">Record student progress in Physical Education. For example, provide evidence of progress in a particular skill using video evidence of the students progress.

Podcast the Museum One example of students using podcasts applies to a history or art classroom. Students can create Podcasts for works of art. The students would be assigned a painting, sculpture, etc. at the nearest museum and then would then create a skit, song, story, etc. that goes along with that work of art. The class would then visit the museum and individually listen to the each of the accompanying podcasts that were created by their classmates for the work of art they are viewing. Test Prep As mentioned above, teachers can post recorded lectures online for students to study from. For example, a test on the Roman Empire is coming up. The students in that class can go online, look up the lectures on the Roman Empire, and review it before the test. Here is a link to podcasts for math, science, social studies, and more for use in the classroom. [|examples] (T.J. Shannon)

<span style="color: #8d0ca6; font-family: Georgia,serif;">Art Related... <span style="color: #8d0ca6; font-family: Georgia,serif;">One of the most creative examples of art-related podcasts I saw when searching for ideas online was this "art history in a minute" website. http://ewart.sbc.edu/ In it, there is an art historian explaining a painting or time period in just under a minute. It would be a great resource for a teacher to add to an introduction to a project that is based on a historical artist. OR, the students could generate their own podcasts in a similar fashion after studying an artist or time period. This could really be done at any age level. One aspect of this particular website is that they are video podcasts. In these situations, I feel it is important to have the visuals supporting the audio content.

<span style="color: #8d0ca6; font-family: Georgia,serif;">I think there is also potential to use podcasts as a way for students to talk about their artwork, either for in class critiques or to share on a classroom website that features their work for the community. (Abbey Kogler Finn)

<span style="color: #8d0ca6; font-family: Georgia,serif;"> An example of how teachers could implement podcasts into their classroom could be for test preparation. Unit material, lectures, and readings can be recorded and then posted for students to access inside and outside of the school in order to help them study. Time can be used early on in the school year to show students step by step on how to access the podcasts. Being able to listen and view prior material thru podcasting is an efficient way to improve student knowledge and understanding. Here is a link to other uses of podcasting in my licensure area. http://communities.socialstudies.org/node/247