Podcasting is the method of distributing multimedia files, such as audio programs or music videos, over the Internet for playback on mobile devices and personal computers. The distribution format of a podcast uses either the RSS or Atom syndication formats. The term podcast, like "radio", can mean both the content and the method of delivery. The host or author of a podcast is often referred to as a "podcaster".
Podcasters' web sites may also offer direct download or streaming of their files; however, a podcast is distinguished by its ability to be downloaded automatically using software capable of reading RSS or Atom feeds. Usually the podcast features one type of "show", with new episodes either sporadically or at planned intervals, such as daily or weekly. In addition to this, there are podcast networks that feature multiple shows on the same feed. One can listen to a podcast either on a computer or on a mobile audio device (such as an iPod). Podcasting's essence is about creating content (audio or video) for an audience that wants to listen or watch when they want, where they want, and how they want.
Neither podcasting nor listening to podcasts requires an iPod or other portable player, and no over-the-air broadcasting is required. The name association came about simply because Apple Computer's iPod was the most marketed and the best-selling portable digital audio player when podcasting began, and was used by early practitioners.
Learncasting: The act or practice of delivering pedagogically sound instructional content or academic support content designed for delivery using the subscription model. This model uses a feed (such as RSS or Atom) to deliver an enclosed file as does podcasting. However learncasting may use multimedia to include imagery and text as well as audio. The content has also been designed to achieve desired learning outcomes. Learncasting or "podagogy" means that students no longer need dread the early-morning slot and can listen at leisure on their MP3 players to lectures recorded by academic staff and distributed over the internet. The same flexibility can help faculty as well--if a faculty member needs to miss a class, they can simply record their planned lecture and make it available for students.
Definition from Wikipedia, the free online encylopedia.
How to Podcast - This site was not intended for education, but it gives a step-by-step analysis to create a podcast.
Podcast for Free - Links and tutorials to everything you need to create podcasts with just a computer and microphone
FeedBurner - A free service to monitor podcast or blog subscribers
ccMixer - A community music site offering downloadable music that can be legally remixed and used in podcasts
Audacity - Free, cross-platform audio editing software program ideal for podcasting
Podscope - Allows you to search podcasts based on the words said in them
Podzinger - Podzinger allows you to search by word or terms and then finds the relevant podcasts, and also highlights the segment of the audio in which they occurred
Podomatic - Create, find and share podcasts.
ACID XPress - Free audio editing software similar to GarageBand but for Windows
A brief discussion about podcasting or "coursecasting" in academia, and the underlying question of the technology: Will coursecasting replace the live lecture?
The Duke Digital Initiative website. Duke University has an ongoing program to incorporate effective technology into the classroom and the university as a whole. One of the program elements is Lectopia, a system whereby lecture audio is easiliy recorded and uploaded to a university server--a simple form of coursecasting. Duke University kicked off the program by providing iPods to its incoming freshman class in 2004.
Use of podcasting to deliver condensed, multimedia versions of lectures. Discussion of how having the podcast can relieve students from hastily writing notes during class--allowing more time for discussion, interaction, and keeping pace with the material. Also the use of different presentation styles--including text with audio and video--will help students with various learning styles.
An article by Educause about putting conferences online: How this could save members and the conference hosts vast amounts of money and time. The same could easily be said of coursecasting in academia.
Large directory of podcasts, organized by category.
Another directory of podcasts.
FeedForAll site -- where users can download software to create their own RSS feeds and podcasts. The software is inexpensive and has a 30-day free trial.
Tutorial for using FeedForAll.
Room 208 Podcast - A Podcast by 3rd and 4th grade multi-age students in Wells, ME. Students share their work reflections on learning, interviews, Reader's Theater and more.
Radio WillowWeb - is a podcast for kids and by kids from the students at Willowdale Elemetary School in Omaha, Nebraska.
2nd Grade Goobers - These Podcasts are done by a class of 2nd graders in Maine.
Digital Aliens - The educational technology team from the Orange County Dept. of Ed. uses video and enhanced podcasts to explore innovative uses of technology in education.
Podcast for Teachers - Fordham University 's Regional Educational Technology Center (RETC) in New York City provides lively conversations about technology and education with leaders in the field. Ed tech expert, Mark Gura and RETC Director, Dr. Kathy King, bring the latest resources, updates, interviews and commentary on technology innovations’ meaning for our teachers, students and communities. From software applications, to intimate conversations with notable and experienced educators, ed techies, and authors, this is not your typical podcast!
Education and Technology Today - This podcast series focuses on issues in education in general and the use of instructional technology to support education. Production of the series started in June of 2005 and is a result of interest expressed by members of the Technology Education Coordinators Special Interest Group of the Texas Computer Education Association. The producers see the series as a way of keeping educators and the general public aware of developments in education and effective ways of implementing technology to facilitate instruction.
The RSS Resources page is a collection of tutorials and useful tools related to the key technology behind podcasting.
