All about it...,What is a podcast?
A podcast is like a radio show. However, instead of being broadcast live, a podcast is recorded and then distributed over the internet, so that you can listen to it whenever you please. There are thousands of podcasts available, ranging from general interest, entertainment shows to those which focus on specific topics (e.g. computers / music / education). How do I listen? You can usually listen to podcasts directly on the websites of those people who make them (see below for some examples). However, you can also "subscribe" to podcasts using software like iPodder and iTunes. These programs will automatically download the latest shows, and you can then listen to them on your computer and / or mp3 player. To subscribe to a podcast, you need to know the RSS feed (this information should be on the podcaster's website). iTunes has its own directory, where you can subscribe to a show, simply by clicking the "Subscribe" button. |
Listen to Podcasts |
IdeasCurrent Events Newscasts: Practice nonfiction reading skills by creating weekly or monthly podcasts on an interesting current event.
Reading Radio: Make short radio broadcasts summarizing the books you are reading. Roving Reporters: Go out into the "field" (a.k.a. the school) to interview key players in important school events. Celebrate Culture: Record podcasts about important cultural months like Black History & Women's History Month or Hispanic Heritage Month and then present them to the school or parents to commemorate the events. |
IdeasPodcasting Library: Collaborate to create a library of podcasts from which current and future classmates can learn from.
MusicCasts: Are you a chorus, band or orchestra student? Create podcasts for each instrument, detailing specific notes, sounds and characteristics of each instrument. Awesome Audio Tours: Be tour guides for new students at your school by podcasting school tours that kids can listen to when they enter. Podcasting Pen Pals: Record interactive or encouraging podcasts and then send them to another classroom in another state or country. Reenactments: Reenact important events in history using period language and vocabulary. |
Create1. Make sure you have the required hardware and software – you will need a computer with a microphone and software such as the free Audacity (PC or Mac) http://audacity.sourceforge.net/.
2. Decide on your content and write your script. Who is your audience? How will you keep listeners engaged? 3. Rehearse the content (practice speaking). 4. Record. Create and save an audio file, usually in mp3 format. 5. Publish. To make a podcast you will need to use a free service like PodOmatic Buzzsprout 6. Promote the podcast. Your school's website is a good place to start as well as their newsletter and social media sites. The following PDF provides more detail about what is required to make a podcast. |