0.6 Podcasts in the language arts classroom

Matthew ebersole

Technology Expert Module: Podcasting in Language Arts

What is a podcast?

The word podcast is a play on the word broadcast combined with the word iPod, says Jason Van Orden at (External Link)

Wikipedia gives a much more extensive definition as follows:

A podcast is a series of digital media files (either audio or video ) that are released episodically and downloaded through web syndication . The mode of delivery is what differentiates podcasts from other ways of accessing media files over the Internet , such as simple download or streamed webcasts : special client software applications known as podcatchers (like iTunes , Zune , Juice , and Winamp ) are used to automatically identify and download new files in the series when they are released by accessing a centrally-maintained web feed that lists all files associated with the series. New files can thus be downloaded automatically by the podcatcher and stored locally on the user's computer or other device for offline use, giving simpler access to episodic content.

Where can i download podcasts?

Podcasts can be and are about just about anything and everything. One of my favorite sites, and certainly a possible source for educational materials is at (External Link)

The Education Podcast Network (External Link) has many student and teacher created podcasts from all grade levels and subject matters to peruse.

i- tunes (External Link) has a vast array of podcasts to download, but of course you need to have downloaded i-tunes onto your computer first. These are all places to download podcasts that have already been created. However, creating your own podcast requires more work.

With the most basic of equipment, and software that is mostly free, you or your students can begin podcasting rather quickly. It helps to know where to begin.

How do i create a podcast?

There are several different options with which to begin creating a podcast. Sites such as (External Link) have free, open source software that anyone can use to record, download, and alter audio files, including MP3 and WAV. With audacity, you can not only create new audio files, you can import pre-existing files and edit, splice, and add effects to make your podcast more interesting or individualized. Audacity is a type of freeware: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Freeware

Once audacity has been downloaded, there are few simple steps to follow to create a podcast. Audacity has its own wiki site, at: (External Link)

The wiki has detailed tutorials on just about anything you can do with audacity.

Jason Van Orden gives a detailed explanation of what a podcast is and exactly how to create one, and host one, and even find listeners at (External Link)

Mr. Byrne gives his take on the best podcasting services for educational purposes at:

(External Link)

Where Do I Do with My Completed Podcasts?

Once you have created the podcast, you can use a free blogger site like Google blogger www.blogger.com to host your podcast. Blogger is free, but there are other sites where you can pay to have your podcasted hosted and stored.