1. Skype, Blogging, and Beyond March 29, 2012
Podcasting
Skype, Blogging, and Beyond
March 29, 2012

2. What is Podcasting?
Podcasting is a new method of communication allowing anyone to create audio files and post them to the Internet for others to download and listen to at any time. These audio files can be downloaded to a personal computer or handheld device such as an iPod.
Podcasting has rapidly become a new medium for both commercial and home-grown talk shows on multiple subjects. The relative ease of production and low costs associated with the making of a Podcast has opened this new medium to the masses.

3. The Outcome of this Project:
Students learn the technical skills needed to record a high- quality Podcast.
Students brainstorm, and design the themes and content of their Podcast with teacher guidance.
Students complete pre-production, production, and post- production of their Podcast.
Students ultimately learn project management skills, Podcasting technical skills, and actively use the Podcast as a medium for positive student expression.

4. Time Frame/Classroom Setup
Podcasts usually take 3-4 weeks to produce, so teachers should aim to make one Podcast a month to start.
Once students are more familiar with the process, the number of Podcasts produced can increase as desired. To make the most efficient use of time teachers should follow the below process steps for creating the Podcast:
Review computer skills and software needed for production process.
Define the purpose of the Podcast.
Organize students to participate.
Brainstorm potential topics for the Podcast with students (Weekly classroom news broadcast, document a field trip, share book reviews, etc.)
Divide up topics to pairs of students for content/script production.
Produce rough scripts with students.
Practice recording the content a few times (like a dress rehearsal).
Record the Podcast content (*Podomatic for non-Mac users, and for audio editing on Mac and PC)
Edit recording in Garageband or other audio program.
Post content to Internet and RSS feed
Advertise Podcast availability to peers.

5. Potential Ideas/Applications
Any subject: anticipatory set
Any subject: lesson review
Any subject: vocabulary
Student Opinion/Essay
Student Independent Research
Student Writing and Illustration
Classroom “news”
Professional Development
Project Possibility