How-To Article
- Grade Levels K - 2
- Grade Levels 3 - 5
- Grade Levels 6 - 8
- Grade Levels 9 - 12
- Kinesthetic Learner
- Visual Learner
- Auditory Learner
- Technology Integration
Podcasting Basics
Many students carry iPods and other portable music devices everywhere they go.
Technology Integration
Many students carry iPods and other portable music devices everywhere they go. This is a technology with which most students are already comfortable. Why not use it to help students with their schoolwork?
What Is Podcasting?
A podcast is a recorded voice segment which can also include digital images or video. It is available for anyone via download on the Internet. Making a podcast is not beyond the reach of a teacher and is very much like making an old time radio show with a narrator, music, sound effects, and dialogue.
A podcast is a recorded voice segment which can also include digital images or video. It is available for anyone via download on the Internet. Making a podcast is not beyond the reach of a teacher and is very much like making an old time radio show with a narrator, music, sound effects, and dialogue.
Podcasts are often organized by genre and available through free subscription. The Apple Inc. Web site iTunes has a separate location for podcasts. Podcasts can be downloaded with a computer and then transferred to an iPod type device. They are most often available in mp3 format, which will play on most portable audio devices including CD players.
Students and teachers can use almost any computer to produce a basic podcast. All that is needed is an Internet connection and a microphone.
User-Friendly Technology
Teachers can show students how to create a podcast in 15-20 minutes. All the software is on the Internet and is free to use. There are also several free tutorials online that can help teachers and students get started.
Educational Benefits of Podcasting
In addition to providing teachers with a new way to communicate course content, podcasting can benefit students because it is a hands-on activity. Podcasts are an excellent means
- to motivate students because they use devices that are part of the students’ experience
- to talk about and practice speaking skills
- for students to use the process of writing
- for students to work collaboratively
Using Podcasts in the Classroom
There are at least four good reasons for using podcasting in the classroom.
There are at least four good reasons for using podcasting in the classroom.
- Classroom Management
Teachers use podcasts to distribute key points of lectures that students need to review. When students miss class, they can download the lecture their teacher has posted on iTunes or another Web site. - Collaboration
Students work together to produce a podcast. For example, students study a character in a novel and prepare a podcast about that character. They do the research about the character and write down questions to ask the character in an interview. A storyboard is then be developed. A student plays the part of the character and another student is the narrator. Students incorporate still images of the character and his/her setting. - Higher-Order Thinking Skills
Students are assigned an argumentative research topic and then develop a podcast to present their position. This is and alternative to the traditional research paper. Students also make podcasts for their book reports. - Student Portfolios
Because a podcast can be burned to a CD, it can be part of a student’s portfolio.
Microphones
Sound is a very important factor in producing a good podcast. Most computers have a built in microphone, but often these are not good quality. A relatively good microphone will cost about $20, and if a school budget can handle it, $100 will buy a quality microphone.
Teachers need to have procedures for checking microphones in and out to students. Otherwise, they may not be around all that long.
Teachers who are serious about doing podcasting in their classrooms should consider reading a little about microphones and mixing sound. Paul White has a good series of books on sound engineering. Read his Basic Microphones and Basic Mixing Techniques.
Sound Rubrics
Teachers should consider using a rubric to set standards for podcasting quality. Points can be considered for intros, appropriate use of music, transitions, media, voice quality, and conclusions. There are thousands of quality podcasts on iTunes to use as a quality example. In fact, the iTunes store lists favorite podcasts on their podcast homepage.
Acceptable Use
Most schools districts have an Acceptable Use Policy in regard to computer use. Any teacher wanting to make podcasts with his/her students should understand all the policies. A teacher should have students and parents sign the AUP, and make sure they understand what it means. Many AUPs suggest to not lists students’ first and last name for Web pages that are viewed by the public. Students also need to avoid statements or media that are libelous, or unethical (copyright violations and obscenity).
Preparing Students for Podcasting
One of the easiest ways to make a podcast is through podcast-making sites such as http://podomatic.com. This site is free and allows students to host their podcasts on a server and present their ideas to the world. To prepare students, teachers should
- determine that all students' AUPs are in place and up-to-date
- inform parents of procedures and secure parental permission
- teach students safe, acceptable, and sensible behavior as online authors and readers
- review policies and guidelines pertaining to student access
- teach the non-posting rules of no complete names, no e-mail accounts, and no references that reveal location.
- set clear expectations regarding tone, respect, and consequences
Steps for Getting Started on Podomatic.com
- Go to http://podomatic.com and follow the instructions to get registered. This is a free site to create a podcast and host the episode created.
- Provide the necessary information requested. (user name, password) Be sure to write down your Web address and password in a secure location.
- Click on the link “My Podcast” and then on the next page click on “Post an Episode.”
- Fill in the title and any comments for the podcast.
- Next click on the mixomatic button to add music.
- Finally when students are ready to record their voices, they should click on the record button. They click on the stop record button when they have finished.
Read more about it….
One of the best tutorials for learning how to put all the pieces together for a professional looking podcast is located at Apple http://seminars.apple.com/sol_us_en.html?locs=us_en. Click on the link titled “The Podcast Recipe: Producing a Successful Show.” This is a free three part tutorial. Teachers will have to go through a short registration process to get to the tutorial. This tutorial is specific to Macintosh computers, but the principles discussed can be transferred to any operating system platform.
One of the best tutorials for learning how to put all the pieces together for a professional looking podcast is located at Apple http://seminars.apple.com/sol_us_en.html?locs=us_en. Click on the link titled “The Podcast Recipe: Producing a Successful Show.” This is a free three part tutorial. Teachers will have to go through a short registration process to get to the tutorial. This tutorial is specific to Macintosh computers, but the principles discussed can be transferred to any operating system platform.
To learn more about how teachers and students came take the next step with podcasting, check out Teaching Today’s companion article “Podcasting: Beyond the Basics.”
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