1. BoilerCast How Purdue Provides Lecture Review Audio to Students Using Podcasting and Streaming

2. Agenda Introduction The Desire for Digital Storage of Classroom Audio The Pursuit of a Digital Storage System Podcasting Happens Podcasting as a Valuable Educational Application How Podcasting Works –XML Technology –RSS Technology New Podcasting Service Conceived –The Approach –The Implementation –Operation of the Service –The Public Interface –Results Other Options for Institutions Considering Podcasting

3. What is this stuff anyway? Digital Audio? Podcasting? MP3? Purdue University?

4. What is BoilerCast?

5. The Desire for Digital Storage of Classroom Audio Purdue was cassette recording courses for 35 years About 2500 cassettes per semester Reuse cassettes by bulk erasing Students required to travel to library to check out media

6. The Desire for Digital Storage of Classroom Audio Idea came in 2001 Convert audio recording to Digital Create a simple and accessible system –Web access –Common audio format –Easy administration

7. The Pursuit of a Digital Storage System (Round 1) Design a system to capture and store classroom audio digitally –Development began in 2002 –No COTS systems available –Custom system to be designed –Based on Real Networks SDK 8.5 Close to completion in 2004 Students programmers graduated before completion Project placed on hiatus temporarily in late 2004

8. Podcasting Happens Podcasting Podcasting is a method of publishing audio programs via the Internet, allowing users to subscribe to a feed of new files (usually MP3s). It became popular in late 2004, largely due to automatic downloading of audio onto portable players or personal computers. From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.

9. Podcasting Happens Podcasting is the current “Killer App” (or latest fad?) College students use iPods or other digital media players College students are about three times more likely than anyone else to own an MP3 player. * More than 21 million iPods have been sold, according to Apple. * Source: February study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project.

10. Podcasting Happens Something big was happening here! Students are, in fact, using iPods regularly (or other digital media players) Podcasting appears to be the new trend in delivering on-demand media Our original design did not conceive of podcasting (it didn’t exist) A change of course was in order to meet the students’ expectations

11. Podcasting as a Valuable Educational Application Duke Digital Initiative Spotlighted the Technology –The 2004-2005 Duke iPod First-Year pilot gave an iPod to all incoming freshmen –In 2005-2006, only students enrolled in courses using the iPod as part of the DDI will receive an iPod –Students will get to keep their iPods after the course is over –http://www.duke.edu/ddi/http://www.duke.edu/ddi/ itunes.stanford.edu

12. How Podcasting Works The “podcast feed” URL –address of a specially encoded page –on the podcaster’s web server –contains information about the podcast –if viewed in a web browser, you will see the raw XML code used

13. How Podcasting Works you copy the URL into a “podcatching” client software there are many different podcatching applications available many applications for many platforms –Windows –Mac –Linux –Etc. But you’re not meant to look at this “raw” data

14. Subscribing to a Podcast Users can also click and drag an RSS link from a Web Page Directly to iTunes to subscribe.

15. Podcatching Clients: iTunes

16. Podcatching Clients: iPodder Lemon

17. Podcatching Clients: jPodder

18. Podcatching Podcasting audience uses Podcatching client software Software obtains audio automatically and stores to local computer Software can then load audio to iPod (or other digital audio device) when it is plugged into PC Process can be Automatic or Manual

19. How Does This All Happen? The Technology of Podcasting

20. XML Technology XML stands for EXtensible Markup Language XML is a markup language much like HTML XML was designed to describe data XML tags are not predefined. You must define your own tags XML is a W3C Recommendation An XML file is merely a text file that follows a universally agreed upon formatting standard XML Sample

21. RSS Technology RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication (Maybe) RSS allows you to syndicate your site content RSS is a selected list of defined items on a site RSS defines an easy way to share and view headlines and content RSS files can be automatically updated RSS allows personalized views for different sites RSS is written in XML RSS Sample

22. RSS Technology Why Use RSS? RSS was designed to show selected data. RSS Readers are designed to regularly check the RSS file for new data Without RSS, users will have to check a web site daily to check for new updates. –This may be too time-consuming for many users. –With an RSS feed they can check your site faster using an RSS aggregator Since RSS data is small and fast-loading, it can easily be used with services like cell phones or PDA's.

23. RSS Example: Simple Podcast

24. RSS Example: The RSS Elements Show up in a Client RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication (Maybe) Here is the “Channel” These are the “Items” { These are the “Descriptions”

25. RSS Podcast Creation Software

26. “What do I need to Podcast?” 1.MP3 Audio File Created with MP3 Recorder Created with Editing Software 2.RSS File Created with RSS Podcast Software Created Manually (if you are bored) 3.Web Server Any Flavor Need a Web Page to post the RSS link 4.Audience Audience needs to know where to find the podcast Audience needs to be interested in podcast

27. Putting It All Together Audio in MP3 format is stored on a web server RSS feed file is created with information regarding how to get to the MP3 file Podcatching client looks as RSS feed regularly for updates and downloads any new MP3 files Podcatching client stores MP3 file on PC and can upload to iPod Listener enjoys regularly updated podcasts

28. When we last left the Purdue conversion to digital…

29. The Pursuit of a Digital Storage System (Round 2) Podcasting was the way to go but… –While work thus far could accommodate, the paradigm was completely different –However implementation of changes would not meet the Fall 2005 deployment target New approach taken –Put Previous work aside and started from scratch –New COTS recording hardware available –Implemented the “KISS” principle

30. New Podcasting Service Conceived Short List of Criteria for a Purdue Podcast Service: Utilize existing recording infrastructure Clean and easy user web interface Not limited to iPods Operation quick to learn for operational staff Courses online within 30 minutes of class completion

31. The Purdue Implementation Utilize telco infrastructure for record lines (dry audio lines a.k.a. “alarm circuits”) Tap into existing classroom sound systems Add ceiling mics and line drivers to rooms without sound systems

32. The Purdue Implementation Record lines conencted to central recording facility Utilize crosspoint router to choose specific classroom for recording Record course to digital record deck Over 60 Rooms in over 30 Buildings currently connected Capable of connecting to any campus venue including departmental classrooms

33. The Purdue Implementation Recording to analog and converting is a hassle Software recorders running on PCs are a hassle and not always reliable Purchased Marantz PMD-660 for another application –Compact flash recording –Record directly to MP3 format Found the Marantz PMD-570 –Rack mount equipment –Record to compact flash –MP3 format recording –Operates like cassette recorder “This device allowed us to deploy the BoilerCast system more rapidly than any other option would have allowed.” Michael Gay

34. The Purdue Implementation Using the Marantz PMD-570 allows us to capture the audio in the same manner as we were doing for cassette recording The digital recorders were half the price of professional cassette recorders we were using Recorders name the files using a track numbering system The operator needed a way to quickly… –Rename the files –Edit the ID3 tag with course info –Update the podcast RSS feed –Update the web page Ten recorders were purchased to replace the cassette decks used in the existing service.

35. The Purdue Implementation Operator would continue to record course audio to the new digital decks as was done with the cassette decks Software would be written to automate many of the operator’s tasks –Rename the files –Edit the ID3 tag with course info –Update the podcast RSS feed –Update the web page

36. BoilerCast Custom Software Files recorded on digital recording decks are transferred using the BoilerCast custom software BoilerCast software: –Renames the files –Edits the ID3 tag with course info –Updates the podcast RSS feed –Updates the web page –Cleans the Flash Memory Course available within 10 minutes on most occasions

37. Operation of the Service Online Request form Instructors request the service They receive confirmation and a link to their course web page

38. Operation of the Service The BoilerCast Main Screen Create new course directories Get the audio file from the flash card Move the file to the BoilerCast server Secure an online BoilerCast course

39. Operation of the Service Adding a New Course Add course information Choose the data drive on the BoilerCast server Click GO!

40. Operation of the Service Moving the Audio File Selects the course web page Previews the File Clicks “Move File and Update” Everything automates after that click.

41. Operation of the Service Adding Security Chooses the course web page to secure Enters desired username and password for course Clicks “Add Security” Modifies an.htaccess file in the web directory

42. BoilerCast Home Page Features Info about the service Link to request form List and RSS links for available courses

43. Course Page Features Course info RSS Link Prominent Discreet download and streaming links for each day

44. Usage Statistics Service went live August 22 nd, 2005 35 courses initially signed up 1080 downloads the first week of operation 70 courses currently served 39,777 downloads as of October 17 th, 2005

45. Usage Statistics Semester Break

46. Top 10 Players Used

47. Mid Term Results A mid-term survey was sent to faculty and staff using the service Some results were surprising Many comments useful for thinking about future additions to service ≈30% Faculty Response ≈1% Student Response

48. Results Preferred Player: –Windows Media Player – 53% –Podcast – 26.6% –Real One Player – 15.3% –Other MP3 Player – 5.1% This contradicts the access statistics

49. Results Own or Planning to Buy… Select all that apply –iPod – 41.8% –non-iPod Player – 18.4% –Laptop Computer – 59.2%

50. Results Grade the Purdue BoilerCast Service: –A+13.3% –A 54% –B23.5% –C5% –D 0% –F0% –Undecided 4%

51. Results: What is the Greatest Benefit of the Service? Faculty –“Easy! I don't have to do it.” –“Clarity of voices and speed in making them available.” –“I started recording lectures on my own before I knew about Boilercast. It took a lot of time to then convert to mp3 and upload it to a server. Boilercast makes it easy.” –“Ease of use and sign up.” –“I like the availability of the lectures for students who were absent and/or want to go back and review material.” –“Automatic, Great web page, multiple formats.”

52. Results: What is the Greatest Benefit of the Service? Students –“I like being able to review a lecture, if I didn't quite understand it in class. I also like reviewing what I might have missed while I was taking down notes.” –“English is my second language so it is very helpful for me.” –“When studying for a test it is nice to have a place to go for a review of what was said in lecture” –“Being able to download it quickly on my iPod and go!” –“Availability in multiple media player format” –“It is nice to listen to clarify lecture material.” –“I love using BoilerCast so that I can listen to the lectures even when I am on the bus going to and from school.” –“I can take it anywhere and listen to it whenever I want.” –“If you're sick and can't make it to class you can still get all the notes word for word. Also the clarity was amazing.”

53. Results: Suggestions for Future Additions to the Service? Faculty –“Let faculty tag classes (if they want), Second would be the option to create an enhanced podcast with the slides from the powerpoint.” –“Expand to other classrooms.” –“Wireless mic. (And the ability to pause the recording for a ten-minute break during my 2-hour lecture.)” –“I am always afraid that the BoilerCast system is not picking up the lecture. There should be a fairly transparent method to verify recording during lecture.” –“Boilercast ideally would be linked to WebCT so students could access it easily and it would be password protected”

54. Results: Suggestions for Future Additions to the Service? Students –“Improve audio quality. Lecture noise sometimes overpowers the instructor's voice. Possibly record from a microphone that the instructor wears. Instructor should repeat student questions into microphone for clarity.” –“Add more classes.” –“More classes signed up for it.” –“Have all classes offered.” –“If it is possible, also included the video of the lecture.” –“Maybe be able to add visual aids, like the ones presented in class.” –“Videos...it is good to watch the professor during there lectures, especially when they are doing some sort of experiment on the table or something in front of the class.” –“I wish there could be a video component to the audio.” –“Being able to pick up voice better, maybe video to see what is being written on the board.” –“Eventually maybe a video camera set up to get both audio and visual on the site” –“Video.”

55. Results: Open Final Comments Faculty –“Works great!” –“Super, super service. So cutting edge, and yet so easy.” –“Extremely useful for late students, or this year, hurricane victims who enrolled late and could easily catch up” –“Outstanding service. very glad to have it.”

56. Results: Open Final Comments Students –“Great Idea! This service is useful for me to use while going over my notes!” –“I found this very helpful!! I always use it” –“I really like this service and hope to see more classes available through it in the future.” –“Its a good service.”

57. Students want Video! How to get Video is a problem to overcome Video iPods now out THE FUTURE

58. ECET257: Example of One Course Currently Being Video Streamed Professor J. Michael Jacob – ECET 257 Fall 2005 Purdue College of Technology

59. Video iPod Introduced Video iPods will drive the desire for video even further

60. Some Product Suggestions for Institutions Considering Podcasting Broadcast Software International –http://www.bsiusa.com/http://www.bsiusa.com/ Skimmer Plus Automated MP3 capture software Built in secure web server No podcast yet 8 channels under $1,000

61. Some Product Suggestions for Institutions Considering Podcasting Audio TX –http://www.audiotx.com/http://www.audiotx.com/ –Audio TX Pots –Send high quality audio over telephone –Use any PC and modem –About $850

62. Some Product Suggestions for Institutions Considering Podcasting Barix –http://www.barix.comhttp://www.barix.com –Instreamer & Extreamer Audio backhaul over IP Network Works on any LAN/WAN Up to 320K audio Minimal Setup Set and Forget

63. Some Product Suggestions for Institutions Considering Podcasting Marantz –http://www.d-mpro.comhttp://www.d-mpro.com –PMD-570, PMD 660 Record to Compact Flash WAV or MP3

64. Suggested Web Resources (Author makes no endorsements or warranties information contained in the following web links) Purdue Sources BoilerCast Home Page: http://www.itap.purdue.edu/boilercasthttp://www.itap.purdue.edu/boilercast Purdue University: http://www.purdue.edu/http://www.purdue.edu/ Information Technology at Purdue: http://www.itap.purdue.edu/http://www.itap.purdue.edu/ Podcatching Clients Apple iTunes: http://www.apple.com/itunes/http://www.apple.com/itunes/ iPodder Client: http://www.ipodder.org/http://www.ipodder.org/ Podcasting Tools Podcast RSS Buddy: http://www.tolley.info/rssbuddy/http://www.tolley.info/rssbuddy/ Feed for All: http://www.feedforall.com/http://www.feedforall.com/ Podcasting Directories Podcast.net Directory: http://www.podcast.net/http://www.podcast.net/ Podcast Alley Directory: http://www.podcastalley.com/http://www.podcastalley.com/ Podcasting Technology RSS/XML Tutorial: http://www.w3schools.com/rss/http://www.w3schools.com/rss/ Podcasting 101: http://maczealots.com/articles/podcasting/http://maczealots.com/articles/podcasting/ Make RSS Feeds: http://make-rss-feeds.com/making-an-rss-feed.htmhttp://make-rss-feeds.com/making-an-rss-feed.htm

65. Question and Answer Time for your questions.

66. Thank You! Michael Gay michaelgay@alumni.purdue.edu