1. The Very Basics of Podcasting By: Judy & Rick

2. What is a podcast? A collection of individual audio episodes typically recorded and edited on a computer and then uploaded to a web server that can be accessed by an individual at ANY given time.

3. To Listen to Podcasts, you need: A device on which to listen to the podcasts Palm handheld computers Windows Mobile handheld computers MP3 players (include iPods and others) Desktop and laptop computers Cell phones Software for playing media –the most common media player programs are Windows Media Player, iTunes, RealPlayer, and Winamp Podcast content Podcatching software (optional) –RSS, or Real Simple Syndication, is a specification for XML files that can be used to subscribe to a podcast. Also, Juice, Doppler iTunes, iPoddler

4. To create your own podcasts, you need the info from previous page plus: A computer (internet access) A microphone Recording and editing software –Audacity is highly recommended and it’s FREE A way to publish your podcast –If you don't have software that does this for you, the easiest way to make an RSS feed is by using blog software, like Blogger or WordPress. Just link your MP3 files to your blog, and the software will automatically generate a feed.BloggerWordPress

5. Educational or Merely Entertaining? You Decide….. Kids create a podcast interviewing each other portraying different roles in the Civil War to show what they've learned and share it with other classrooms. A teacher records her class for students to download as a podcast. These podcasts are used by students who are absent as well as by those who need extra reinforcement or want to review. A class takes a virtual field trip to NASA via a soundseeing tour podcast. The virtual field trip is broadcast in several formats, some designed for English language learners.

6. Plusses and Minuses Plusses Demonstrates the power of audio over text (listening as opposed to reading) Allows podcast users to listen and learn while they walk, jog, ride the bus, or are otherwise away from their computer screen. Empowers users to publish audio content directly and seamlessly onto the Web. Minuses It can become too much emphasis on the fun formatting rather than on the content The quality of speakers’ voices, speech patterns, intonations, and other sound effects may not be the same as those of a professional broadcast.

7. Podcasts Readily Available There are literally thousands of websites that you can find podcasts for educators. Just googling, you would be able to come up with many. –Educational Podcast Network (EPNweb.org)