Podcasting

Objectives: To learn what a Podcast is To learn what makes a good Podcast To learn what is meant by and the difference between MP3 and MP4. To learn about how to plan a Podcast show

What is a PodCast? A Podcast is “A radio show that is downloaded over the Internet” It must therefore be made using special software that saves voice recordings in an electronic file format – MPEG LAYER 3 or MP3.

Are Podcasts just sound files? No, With technology changing at such a fast rate you can now download “Video Podcasts” What file format are these? MPEG LAYER 4 (MP4)

So, what characteristics make a good PodCast?

Your Task: Over the next few lessons you will be creating your own Podcast show. You will be required to: Work in small groups (No more than 3) Gather information for your PodCast from a number of sources Write a script for your show Record, edit and save the show. The best of these could be used on the Intranet.

Today’s lesson: Get into a group! Spend a few minutes discussing some ideas for a PodCast – remember the factors that make a good PodCast that we discussed. Choose a subject and begin gathering the information that you will need. You may research the Internet for this or create a survey. Begin to write a script for your show. You should aim to have around about a 3-5 minute show.

Objectives: Learn about the software and hardware that is used to record PodCasts Continue to gather information and write your scripts.

What do you need to make a PodCast? HARDWARE A computer A Microphone

What else do you need? SOFTWARE A program that can record, edit and save sound Here we use the program called “Audacity” Backing music: MP3 format – this must be copyright free…what does this mean?

A quick tour of audacity… What can it do? Record sound from a microphone (analogue signal) Turns this into digital sound file (WAV) Add effects to the sounds Add backing tracks Convert files into MP3 format

Tasks: Continue to write your PodCast Script If you would like a backing track go to the website: www.freeplaymusic.com. If you have trouble downloading ask your teacher for help. Once you have done this decide on who will read the script and then practice it. Check the script with your teacher. Once they are happy with it you will be ready to record.

Objectives: To record and edit your Podcast. To add and edit any backing tracks that you add.

The plan…… Each group will have a chance to go and record their audio in a quiet place. Meanwhile, other groups can keep practicing/perfecting their scripts. If it’s perfect you may have a go at Mymaths.

Objectives: To polish off your PodCast by adding effects such as fading in and out. To evaluate your work

Evaluation: What was your Podcast about? Using Microsoft word evaluate your project. Answer the following questions: What was your Podcast about? What software/ hardware did you use? Who did you work with? Did you work well together? Why? What went well? What didn’t go well? What did you enjoy? Why? What did you find difficult? Why? If you were to do the project again would you do it in the same way?