Podcasts
A podcast is a type of digital media, usually audio, that is available in a series of episodes or parts and is streamed or downloaded by the end user over the Internet. Podcasts can be made available via a release schedule or uploaded to the Web randomly.
The podcast was initially conceived by Apple for delivering musical/audio-based content for the iPod. A podcast can be played from the website directly, or downloaded as an MP3 or similar format to be played on a computer or compatible mobile device. Typically, podcasts are distributed directly by the producer or podcaster, or are syndicated via a content delivery platform. Besides audio, podcasts can now deliver other digital media such as video, e-books and radio broadcasting. Podcasts are used for everything from news and entertainment to education.
What is Podcasting?
- A form of rich media authoring using audio or video
- often released episodically and
- often delivered to subscribers using RSS
- MP3 format is common for use on mobile devices
- Like a radio broadcast that is prerecorded and distributed online
- Like blogging with audio rather than text
The Power of Podcasting
- Deliver content to any MP3 player, laptop, or desktop computer
- common players: Windows Media Player, Apple iTunes, RealOne Player
- Subscriptions allow automatic retrieval of new episodes
- No FCC regulations like traditional broadcasts
- Wide variety of content available
- Low cost and effort required to produce
- No advertisements
Video:- Podcasting in Plain English: http://www.teachertube.com/video/podcasting-in-plain-english-111958
Delivery methods
- An audio podcast downloads digital media files to the subscriber’s computer
- differs from streaming media where content is transmitted in real time to the user
- podcasts or vodcasts can be distributed using either method
- Downloads allow users to access content offline, but consume hard drive space
- Streaming requires reliable transfer speeds
Podcatchers
- A podcatcher, or podcast client, is software that downloads media via an RSS or XML feed
- Able to download several media types, including MP3.
- Automatically check podcast feeds and download new items
- RSS links are commonly offered by authors and can be added to podcatching software
Podcasting software
- Podomatic
- Easypodcast
- Audacity
- FeedForAll
- WebPod Studio
- ePodcast Creator
- Feeder
- Podcaster
- ProfCast
- iTunes
- PodBean
- Hipcast
Podcast tools
- A computer or mobile device with an internet connection
- A microphone (external is best) and headset
- Audio recording and editing software
- Examples: Audacity and Windows Movie Maker
- MP3 is the standard podcast file format
- All-in-one podcasting software also exists
Creating a podcast
- Set up the hardware equipment
- Record and edit the podcast
- Upload the podcast (to a server)
- Syndicate the podcast (RSS)
- Validate the podcast feed (test it)
- Many major blogging platforms allow you to create and distribute your podcasts.
Free Editing software
- Audacity
- Garage Band
- Wavosaur
- WavePad
- DJ Audio Editor
- Power Sound Editor
- DarkWave Studios
- Mp3DirectCut
- Taverso DAW
- Ardour
- Quick Time Pro
Planning a podcast
Before creating your podcast, consider the following:
- Consider the audience are you trying to communicate with as well as their needs and interests.
- Determine how often you will publish new episodes.
- Define and develop subject matter content as well as determining its ideal length.
- Determine ideal media software according to the requirements of the podcast.
- If using music consider Podsafe music which has been cleared for use in podcasts with no legal problems.
Educational Uses
- A number of higher educational institutions use podcasts as primary instruction
- Duke, Michigan, Purdue, Stanford, ASU and UC Berkeley have podcasts available for students
- Podcasts provide students with flexibility and choice in terms of time and place
- Students have immediate and permanent access to content
Business Uses
- Fast and easy marketing to specific audiences.
- Target new customers, promote products and services, and develop relationships with customers
- Potential for revenue through advertising/sponsors
- Facilitate internal communication with employees
- Can increase business visibility and customer loyalty