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Podcasts/Videocasts
What is it?
A podcast is a multimedia file distributed by either paid or unpaid subscription over the Internet. Similar to the radio, "podcast" is the name for the method of broadcast, which is also termed "podcasting". Although podcasts may be offered through direct download or streaming, what distinguishes them from other digital audio formats is its ability to be downloaded automatically using RSS. In addition to the initial audio format, podcasting has also expanded to include video files, or Videocasts.
The initial appeal of podcasting was to allow individuals to distribute their own "radio shows", but the system was quickly adapted to be used in various other ways such as:
- School Lessons
- Official/Unofficial musuem tours
- Conference meeting alerts and updates
- Public Safety Messages
Podcasts/Videocasts
What are the educational uses and benefits?
Course Delivery
- Can be used in distance education for delivery of asynchronous or synchronous audio lectures.
- Provides a fast and convenient medium to extend course lessons beyond the face to face classroom.
- Gives students the ability to listen to a lecture multiple times.
- Allows for flexibility in taking class notes.
- Can replace or supplement traditional class notes.
- Beneficial to auditory learners and learners who multitask.
Podcasts/Videocasts
How do I get started?
- Record the audio for your podcast with a program such as Audacity.
- Save the audio file that you have recorded in an MP3 format.
- Create the RSS podcast feed using an RSS software program or by writing the code in a web authoring program such as Dreamweaver.
- Put your RSS podcast feed on the Internet.
- Direct students to the location on the Internet where you uploaded your podcast. For example your website, E-Learning at UF (Formerly WebCT), and so on.
- For more detailed information on how to podcast visit the following tutorial: How to Podcast: A free online tutorial on how to begin podcasting.
Podcasts/Videocasts
Where can I learn more?
- How to Podcast: A free online tutorial on how to begin podcasting.
- No iPod Required: Information on beginning podcasting.
- Podcast 411: The 411 on podCasts, podCasters, and podCasting.
- Podcasting: A site from the University of Wisconsin on podcasting.
- Podcasting Tools: A series of tutorials and resources for podcasting.
- PodcastExpert: "How to" articles from creating RSS feeds to recording equipment
- Podcast Free America Essay: Why should I listen to podcasts?
- The Education Podcast Network: A network of educational podcasters and podcasts.
- Wikipedia - Podcast: Detailed definition and examples of Podcasts
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