BEX Levy Projects

Introduction:

The word “podcasting” is a combination of the words “iPod” and “Broadcasting” used to describe audio and or video files shared through the internet via a subscription, like a magazine, and usually at no cost. Teachers use podcasts to enhance and extend classroom learning opportunities such as connecting students with current news stories, science reports from the field and other timely content. Also, parents and others can access these recordings through a variety of modes, including email, websites, and iTunes. In addition, teachers and students can easily create podcasts for a variety of educational assignments or tasks, including the opportunity to produce and perform for an authentic audience.

Keep reading to explore how how others are using and creating podcasts in classroom settings and to create and share your own podcasts. You’ll also find links to a variety of resources to help you produce your own podcasts.

For a more detailed explanation of Podcasts and subscriptions click here to watch the following video.

Considerations for working with podcasts in your classroom.

1. How will students plan their project? Storyboard? Writing Process?
2. Do you have reliable microphones?
3. What software will you use to create a podcast?
4. How will you share the final podcast(s)?
5. Do you have parental permission to share student images/information on the internet?

Finding Podcasts

Getting Started:

Use the following links and instructions to find  podcasts to share with students through The Source.

School Podcasts:

• Our City Podcasts – Student podcasts posted from around the world
• Nathan Hale’s radio station, KNHC Seattle, WA
• Mabry Middle School Marietta, GA
• Philadelphia School District Philadelphia, PA
• Jamestown Elementary Arlington, VA
• The Educational Podcast Network
• PBS Podcasts
• National Geographic – Dangerous Encounters
• “Abiyoyo” Book Talk Example – “Reading Rainbow” style

Instructions for posting a podcast link on a Source Class Page:

1. Highlight and copy the podcast internet address
2. Open a new tab (crtl – T)
3. Login to the Source
4. Open a class page
5. Click “Edit this page”
6. Click “Add/Delete Link”
7. Right-click and paste the podcast address in the “URL” section
8. Type the name of the podcast in the title section
9. Click “Add Link” when completed
10. Note: If you do not have a Class Page, you can save the addresses to your bookmarks or to another website you may have.
11. Repeat the process to add more podcasts to your Source page

Creating Podcasts

Getting Started:

1. Open Audacity: Start > Program Files > Audacity
2. Connect your microphone
3. Read the  Audacity Quickguide
4. Practice recording with Audacity
5. Create your podcast
6. Export your podcast as an MP3: See Lame Encoder Instructions in Quick Guide
7. Optional: To enhance a podcast you can import copyright free music (See resource list below) to play to play in the background.

Sharing your Podcast

Getting Started:

1. Podcast Machine: A free podcast posting site. Complete the following instructions to activate and use Podcast Machine.
   1. Click this link to read about Podcast Machine Basics.
   2. Create a Podcast Machine account
   3. Create a channel – i.e “Book Talks”
   4. Create an episode – i.e. “Abiyoyo”
   5. Upload your podcast
   6. To share your podcast by email:
      1. Click on the RSS button on the channel page, ,
      2. Highlight and copy only the “podcast.com/podcast/###” part of a address.
      3. Paste this address in an email or on a webpage to share the link to your podcast channel.
   7. Embedding the podcast on a Source Class Page or other webpage using HTML code.
      1. Highlight and copy the internet address
      2. Login to the Source
      3. Open a class page (Where you want to share this link)
      4. Click “Edit this page”
      5. Click “Add/Delete Announcement”
      6. Right-click and paste the podcast address in the “Announcement” section
      7. Type the name of the podcast in the title section
      8. Click “Add Announcement” when completed
      9. Note: If you do not have a Class Page, you can save the addresses to your bookmarks or to another website
      10. Repeat the process to add more podcasts to your Source page

Other Resources:

• Teacher Application:
  • Writing and Podcasts – A teacher describes a simple use for podcasts and student writing.
  • Lesson Planning Resoruces
    • Eva La Mar Podcast Planning Resources
    • Podcast STAGES poster/handout
    • Podcast STAGES self-tracking worksheet for students/groups
    • Podcast Story board form
  • Podcast Project  Ideas:
    • Book Talks
    • Dramatic Readings
    • Research Projects
    • Oral Histories
    • Journals and reflections
• Copyright Free Music
  • Jamendo
• Software Downloads: Note: In your classroom, you can download Audacity and other software on a teacher computer without assistance. On a student computer, including your presentation station, you need a network analyst (call techline) or find someone with a pound account to download and install any software

1. 1. PC – Audacity -Click here to Download
   2. PC - Lame Encoder – Click here to Download (required plug-in to export Audacity files as MP3s, see Audacity QuickGuide for Audacity/lame installation instructions).
   3. Mac – Garageband (Already loaded on all district Macs)
   4. iTunes is another tool for listening to and sharing podcasts in your classroom.
      1. iTunes (Click here to download) has a podcast library that acts as a RSS reader so you can subscribe to a podcast feed. In addition, you can browse the iTunes Podcast Directory to search for more podcasts.
      2. Instructions for configuring and using iTunes on SPS computers.
      3. Note – You can download software on a teacher computer, but for a student computer, including your presentation station, you will need the assistance of a network analyst (call techline) or someone with a pound account.

• Garageband Quick Guide

• Sites for Creating and Sharing Podcasts
  • Odeo
  • SlideStory
  • Podomatic