Prof. Burks Oakley II Associate Vice President for Academic Affairs Director, University of Illinois Online Professor of Electrical and Computer Engineering University of Illinois January 2006 The What, Why, and How of Podcasting

2005 Word of the Year

Definition of podcasting Podcasting is a term used to describe a collection of technologies for automatically distributing audio programs over the Internet using a publisher/subscriber model. It differs from earlier online delivery of audio because it automatically transfers the digital media files to the user’s computer for later use.

Podcasting “Podcasting” combines two words: “iPod” and “broadcasting”. You don’t need an iPod to listen to a podcast! Any PC will be fine! Alternative terms would be “audio blog” or “audioblogging” “Personal On-Demand” & broadcasting, giving: POD-casting

Podcasting - What It Is A podcast is really just an mp3 audio file that is distributed via an RSS feed (typically by linking the mp3 file to a blog posting). Current “podcatching” software, such as iTunes and Juice (formerly iPodder), allows the user to subscribe to an RSS feed; the software will automatically download new podcasts when they become available. iTunesJuice

Podcasting – The Author Create an mp3 file and put on the web Link to the mp3 file in a blog posting

Podcasting – The Listener Subscribes to the RSS feed for the blog using “podcatching” software (such as iTunes) New podcasts are automatically downloaded to the user’s PC – and can be played on the computer The mp3 files can be “synched” to a portable mp3 player, such as an iPod, for anytime, anyplace listening – mobile learning – “m-learning”.

The Pedagogy of Podcasting Podagogy – the pedagogy of podcasting The power of the spoken word –Appeals to auditory learners –Anytime, anyplace – “m-learning” –Capture the instructor’s enthusiasm –Can listen multiple times for review –Bring in guest lectures, debates, virtual field trips, etc.

Podcasting The types of podcasts –Presentation –Review course material; Look ahead –Interview (for example, at a conference) –Guest lecturer –Debate –Recording of a campus seminar –Virtual field trip (walking through a museum) –Student presentations

Why NOW? Jon Udell has identified the major factors behind the explosive growth of podcasting: –Internet activity is pervasive. –Broadband has grown very rapidly. –The multimedia personal computer can “more or less be taken for granted.” –The iPod phenomenon and “the rapid adoption of portable mp3 playback devices”. –Creative Commons licensing permits the distribution of copyrighted content.Creative Commons

Creating a Podcast Audacity & inexpensive microphone Audacity Digital solid-state recorder –Marantz PMD660Marantz PMD660

Podcasts Examples –Burks On LearningBurks On Learning –Burks’ SelectionsBurks’ Selections –PAC 442 Section BPAC 442 Section B –Margaret MaagMargaret Maag –NCQ TalkNCQ Talk –The World: TechnologyThe World: Technology –PBS News HourPBS News Hour –Bryn Mawr Ed Tech CenterBryn Mawr Ed Tech Center –Susan Smith NashSusan Smith Nash

Subscribing to a Podcast RSS feed, or iTunes 1-ClickiTunes

How to Find Podcasts Apple Music Store (via iTunes – section on podcasts)iTunes

Search podcast section for “Burks”

How to Find Podcasts (con’t.) The Higher Education Podcast Repository –

Podcasting - Sources Audacity – free software for creating mp3 files Audacity Blogger – free web-based software for creating a blog Blogger Blogspot – a free website for publishing blogs Blogspot Burks On Learning – blog with my main podcast Burks On Learning Apple iTunes – free “podcatching” software Apple iTunes

Podcasting - Hosting Hosting mp3 files on the web –Issues include storage capacity, bandwidth, monthly transfer limitations Commercial providers include: –Liberated SyndicationLiberated Syndication –AudioBlogAudioBlog –MyPodcasts.netMyPodcasts.net –PodLotPodLot –OurMediaOurMedia

Podsafe Music Many podcasts include music mixed with voice Source of “podsafe” music –PodshowPodshow –PodsafeAudioPodsafeAudio –GarageBandGarageBand –PodcastAlley (search for “podsafe music”)PodcastAlley –PeoplesoundPeoplesound

M-Learning Listen to podcasts while driving: –Griffin –AirPlay –Belkin

Alternatives to the iPod Portable mp3 players that can be used to listen to podcasts: –Creative Technology –iRiver –Sony –Archos –Dell

Podcasting – Great Resource There’s Something in the Air: Podcasting in Education © 2005 Gardner Campbell EDUCAUSE Review, vol. 40, no. 6 (November/December 2005): p. 32–47

Burks Oakley II web: The What, Why, and How of Podcasting Submit questions to Rob Reilly: