Podcasting Marsheila Ksor Podcasting is simply delivering audio or video files via the internet to individual subscribers who download the files from various personal media devices It’s broadcasting to your Ipod (or computer, phone, MP3 player, and etc).

So what’s the difference between podcasting and uploading files? Think of podcasting like an automatic bank draft. Users must first subscribe to your service, but then as soon as you upload your podcast, it is automatically downloaded to all subscribers, which increases the likelihood that users will actually listen to your file. Podcasts can even be delivered directly to an I-Tunes account!

So Why Not Just Upload Files Instead of Setting Up A Podcast?  Podcasting increases the chances that people will actually listen to a file by simplifying the downloading process. Once the initial feed is subscribed to, all new files are automatically downloaded.  Podcasts are also easier to access on media devices other than personal computers – a convenience that also increases the likelihood that people will download the file. It’s Just Easier!

So How does it Work? It works through a feed and an aggregator A feed is a simple XML file that lists the URL of podcast files along with descriptions and miscellaneous information regarding each file. An aggregator is a software program that manages podcast feeds. It checks designated RSS feeds regularly and downloads all new files automatically.

Versatility  The more devices that synchronize podcast feeds, the more versatility and easy access to users.  Can be syndicated  Can be subscribed to  Can be downloaded automatically when new content is added

What are the Steps? 1) Podcast Creator Produces Audio or Video File 2) Podcast Creator Generates or Updates RSS Feed File 3) Podcast Creator Uploads Audio or Video Files and RSS Feed to a Web Server 4) Podcast Creator Notifies Audience of the Location of the RSS Feed 5) Listener Adds Location of the RSS Feed to Podcast Aggregator Software 6) Podcast Aggregator Software Downloads Most Recent Podcast File 7) Listener Accesses Podcast Files

What’s the Purpose?  Posting Lectures for Review Simply record the day’s lecture and upload itSimply record the day’s lecture and upload it  Delivery of Supplemental Materials Have students listen to the lecture before class so that actual class time may be spent more productivelyHave students listen to the lecture before class so that actual class time may be spent more productively  Students Creating their Own Podcast Facilitate collaborative learning and encourage publishingFacilitate collaborative learning and encourage publishing Educational Advantages &

Can Schools Advertise Programs by Podcasting?  Yes!  Radio and television offer shorter periods while podcasting gives more time: up to 3 minutes

Are there any possible disadvantages?  Students who intend to access the lecture at home may not be inclined to pay attention in class, which may create discipline or classroom management problems  At the college level, students may not feel the need to even attend class if they have access to the lecture at home, which would create serious attendance problems.

More Advantages  It is inexpensive.  It has potential to yield excellent results.  It provides a captive audience.  It provides measurable results on how many people listened and for how long.  The visually impaired can learn via podcasting.  Podcasting is targeted: people who listen choose to subscribe!

Are There Any Free Podcast Hosting Sites?     There are several sites which contain imbedded programs that make podcasting even more simple They creating the RSS feed and host the file. All you need to do is upload the podcast. In some cases (Gcast, for example) you can even use your home or cellular telephone to call and add audio files to your feed – just record your message and press pound when you are finished! Be prepared to sign up for a membership in order to use these free services – meaning you will probably be subjected to advertisements and quite a bit of spam

So What’s The Trend?   Podcast arrives on the scene in   The New Oxford American Dictionary selected "podcast" as the Word of the Year for   Forrester Research is projecting that the number of households using podcasts will grow from 700,000 to 12.3 million over the next four years in the US alone.   The School Library Journal (9/1/2005) called Podcasting “among the hottest trends going”

Literature Review   RSS subscription (podcasting) increases the odds that students will download course files   Podcasting has a positive effect on student achievement   Students believe the availability of podcasts contributes to their overall learning experience and prefer instructors who offer this resource.   24 hour lecture availability is suspected to have a negative effect on course attendance and participation, although no research exist to validate this claim.   Podcasting may perpetuate a current problem in which “students are becoming too reliant on materials that are intended as scaffolding   Podcasting does not possess any inherent value, but is only a useful tool whose value is determined by its users.   Podcasting has the ability to make learning accessible to the visually impaired.

References Brabazon T (2006) “Socrates in Earpods?: The Ipodification of Education.” Fast Capitalism, 2(1). Retrieved online January 21st, 2008 from Brittain S, Glowacki P, Van Ittersum J, Johnson L (2006) “Podcasting Lectures.” EDUCAUSE Quarterly, Vol. 29 No. 3, 24–31. Retrieved online January 21st, 2008 from Campbell G (2005) “There’s Something in the Air: Podcasting in Education.” EDUCAUSE Review, Vol. 40 No. 6 (Nov/Dec 2005), 32–47. Retrieved online January 21st, 2008 from Deal, A (2007) “A Teaching with Technology White Paper: Podcasting” a white paper by the Office of Technology for Education & Eberly Center for Teaching Excellence at Carnegie Mellon University. Retrieved online on January 24th, 2009 from Evans L (2006) “Using Student Podcasts in Literature Classes.” Academic Commons, Center for Teaching and Learning. Retrieved online January 21st, 2008 from literature-classes Housley, S. (2009) What is Podcasting? Retrieved online January 31, 2009 from Lane C (2006) “UW Podcasting: Evaluation of Year One.” Report by Office of Learning Technologies, University of Washington. Retrieved online January 21st, 2008 from research_development/ papers/2006 /podcasting _year1.pdf