Podcasts

Introduction

Podcasting is a form of digital audio broadcasting, an audio form of a blog. The word ‘podcast’ derives from a combination of ‘iPod’ and ‘broadcast’.

A University of Stanford research group defines a podcast as:

“a digital audio or video file that is: episodic; downloadable; programme driven, mainly with a host and/or theme; and convenient, usually via an automated feed with computer software.” Terms associated with podcasting are: non-streamed broadcasting; digital media files; web feed; aggregator; blog; RSS”.

How does it work?

An audio or video file is created on the internet and can be downloaded at any time to a computer or a portable music player. You can subscribe to RSS feeds that automatically download updated podcasts to your computer.

Podcasting Basics

Podcasts are audio or video files that anybody can listen to online or download onto their portable media player. They are mostly associated with episodic content of a regularly programmed series, such as a radio show. With the decreasing cost of recording devices and release of easy to use media editing tools, producing podcasts is easier than ever!

A podcast can cover a variety of topics, from the archives of a weekly radio program to foreign language guides. Many universities create podcasts of prominent guest speakers, while a class here at UBC uses them as assignments to hone students’ storytelling skills. UBC students also create podcasts and audio files to share student opinion and experience via interview.

Podcasts can be an effective storytelling tool. The four tools of a podcast are voice, sounds, music and silence, and it’s astonishing how far these can go to captivate listeners. Without visual distractions, podcasts are able to hone in on specific content and intimately engage the listener.

You only need 2 things to start recording: a microphone and the software. Once you have both, you can start recording!

How Do They Support Learning?

  • Archive Class Lectures You can create archives of class lectures for students who missed a class, want to review what you discussed with them, or study during their commute
  • Digital Storytelling Students can be given assignments that help them explore and share stories about local issues.
  • Literary Readings Many plays and poems are better understood when read out loud. Dramatic readings help convey expressions and meaning.
  • Language Learning Help students learn a new language by letting them hear and practice proper pronunciations.
  • Audio Instructions Easily explain assignments and solutions by creating short “microlectures”
  • Guest Speakers Share lectures from guest speakers who can give personal and in-depth insight into the latest research and issues.
  • Interviews Students can hone their interview skills while talking with other students or professors about a wide range of topics.

How do I Create a Podcast?

Step 1: Plan

  • Brainstorm your idea: UBC Mediamakers suggest: “think of radio and podcasts that you enjoy, and what makes them successful. It’s time to put your thoughts down on a page and get those creative juices going. At this step in pre-production don’t worry about the details. Let your mind explore and start to connect the dots. Think of what you’re hoping to say, who you may want to speak with, and how you can use sounds to set scenes.”
  • Consider your goal: What story am I trying to tell? Why is it important? What do I hope listeners take away from the experience?
  • Gather equipment: microphone and software.
  • Create a test file to practice using software and mic for audio quality.
  • Determine format and timeline: Are you creating a series? How much time will you need to dedicate to your podcasts? Who will help you?

Step 2: Script

  • Review principles for learning, instruction and media development.
  • Consider the story you want to tell.
  • Create a rough script for your first podcast.
  • Have a colleague review the script for interest, clarity, sound appeal and learning benefit.

Step 3: Record

  • Gather signed consent forms from any people you intend on recording.
  • Check for background noise and establish a quiet working location.
  • Familiarize yourself with copyright resources and guidelines.

Step 4: Edit

  • Assess for pace of the action appropriate (not too fast or too slow).
  • Assess for flow.
  • Eliminate any extraneous information.
  • Get feedback on roughcut from learners (if possible).

Tips

  • Listen to podcasts to familiarize yourself with format and style.
  • Be as clear as you can about your goals – if your podcasts are being developed to support learning – what are the necessary ingredients? What’s interesting? Important? Relatable to your audience? What stories can you tell?
  • Develop a general written outline of your podcast segments.
  • Gather all necessary equipment or make a list of where you can get it.
  • Consult with someone who knows about podcasting.
 Sources:

“Podcasting Basics.” By The University of British Columbia. Retrieved from: http://diy.open.ubc.ca/audio/create-it/podcasting-basics/ Licensed under: CC-BY-SA

“What is a podcast?” By Ethos Consultancy NZ. Retrieved from: http://www.ethosconsultancynz.com/page/what-is-a-podcast Licensed under: CC-BY-SA 3.0

“Who uses podcasts?” By Ethos Consultancy NZ. Retrieved from: http://www.ethosconsultancynz.com/page/who-uses-podcasts Licensed under: CC-BY-SA 3.0

“Web 2.0 and Emerging Learning Technologies/Podcasting.” By WikiBooks. Retrieved from: https://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Web_2.0_and_Emerging_Learning_Technologies/Podcasting Licensed under: CC-BY-SA

License

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ENG124 KnowledgePath – Research and Writing in the Disciplines Copyright © by The American Women's College and Jessica Egan is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License, except where otherwise noted.