Podcasts_and_Webcasts

= Thing 16: Podcasts and Webcasts =

A podcast (or non-streamed webcast) is a series of digital media files (either audio or video) that are released episodically and often downloaded through web syndication. The word usurped webcast in common vernacular, due to rising popularity of the iPod and the innovation of web feeds. (Definition from Wikipedia)

Quick and Dirty Definition: Podcasting is a term that refers to audio and video files (not music) that can be posted and transferred over the Internet. Also keep in mind that when we check out some of the podcasts, and you find a site that you like you can bookmark it in your Delicious account to back to later. When we go into RSS Feeds you might find it useful to create a feed from these sites, but we'll get into that a little more later.

Simply put you can find podcasts on just about anything, but like all of these 'things' simply discussing it does not clarify what it means. I have included an article, and examlpe of podcasts directly below. There are also two different YouTube videos that describe podcasting. Remember that it is not required that you watch the videos, but they may help define the term a little more. For the sake of this 'thing' I am using the terms podcasting to describe audio files and webcasting to describe video files. You will find that they are actually used interchangeably, and podcasting is the term typically used. If you would like to create your own I have included separate instructions for simple podcasting and webcasting.


 * See how others are using podcasting in education: **


 * Check out the article "Podcasting through Time and Space."
 * Audio Storytelling--Check out journalism students' work from IU.

"Podcasting in Plain English" Click Here if you have trouble viewing the video below.

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For Thing 16 we will explore some Podcasts, and comment on how they can be used in education. If you find a great podcast that you enjoyed include the link to it in your blog posting. For the very daring I am including instructions for creating your own Podcasts or Webcasts. Feel free to include them in your blog.


 * Check out some of these Podcast Directories: **

The Education Podcast Network.

Learn Out Loud

Podbean--This site also works for creating your own podcasts, sharing podcasts, and saving favorite podcasts.

National Geographic Podcasts

U.S. Supreme Court Media

White House Speeches

Check out this PodGrunt video production on YouTube, "What a Podcast is and How it Works." media type="youtube" key="TPyoJisyO2o?fs=1" height="385" width="480"

=** (Optional) To Create Your Own Podcast or Webcast: **= Click Here to check out a tutorial for Podcasting.

Easiest ways to me--
The easiest way (to me) to webcast is by using a digital video camera. Some digital cameras also have video capabilities. Upload your video in a similar manner as your regular digital photographs with a USB port or Firewire. You can enhance or edit your clip using a free video editing program such as WINDOWS MOVIE MAKER. (It’s free and already on your computer). Mac users can use iMOVIE. You can then use a web-based program like TeacherTube. (You need to have an account before you can stream the videos on one of these programs.)
 * Webcasting: **

While creating this wiki for this program I discovered that my favorite podcasting site, Gabcast, is shutting down. The reason I would have liked you to use this one as beginner podcasters is because you did not need any extra equipment, but could simply telephone in your recording and they woudl post it online. I asked some of my friends what they recommend, and I have heard that Podbean is a good one. I included it above because I found a large selection of podcasts at their site, but please Click Here to go to podbean and set up an account. It seems very user-friendly with its instructions for podcasting. Let me know if you have any troubles.
 * Podcasting: **

=A Briefing of Thing Sixteen: =

When you finish Thing Sixteen you should have:


 * Listened to a few examples of Podcasts
 * (Optional) Created your own podcast.

Click Here to go onto Thing Seventeen for a chance to share about podcasting. Share how podcasting can be used with students or other educators. Remember to include a link to a favorite podcast, if you came across one you think we should all hear. If you created a podcast be sure to include it in your blog posting.

Wikipedia contributors. "Podcast." Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia. Wikipedia, The Free Encyclopedia, 20 Oct. 2010. Web. 20 Oct. 2010.


 * Note: Wikipedia offers great 'quick start' information, but use with caution. As a rule of thumb make sure students are aware that they can use it as a starting point, but not as a source in essays and reports.**