Creating a Podcast

The use of technology continues to pervade many areas of modern society. One way of disseminating information is through the internet, online libraries, and now personal mp3 players. A podcast allows users to download and share information about a subject for anyone that wants to listen.

In this activity you will work with a partner to create a podcast for your classmates and students in the future. Podcasts are not a traditional medium, so use tools and ideas that allow you to break out from traditional studies of subject material. You are encouraged to present your topic with as much creativity and originality as possible.

Some basic ideas for formats to get you started in your brainstorming include:
- Interview, Radio Show, Tour Guide, News Program, Crisis Point Updates, Storytelling, Comedy Show, Stand Up Routine, Music Analysis, Poetry Readings, Museum Recording, Time Machine, etc… Consider your audience (your classmates) and make it interesting for them.

Software - Audacity - LAME MP3 encoder - Allows Audacity to export MP3 files. Samples of Podcasts - Bob Packett Learning History - Russell Crowe Interview

The Process
The process you will follow will include:

Activities, Planning & Producing	The Technical Considerations
Getting Started i) Design and Plan the Podcast ii) What is the focus, content and format of the audio material you want to include? iii) Collect the sources of audio material to include in your podcast. iv) Prepare your script & plan the recording (talking, music, special effects)	i) Learn about the tools & listen to samples of podcasts ii) consider the information & content iii) searching, researching and refining information retrieval. Questioning the sources of material iv) Download the software above and learn how it works, how special effects are incorporated, and how your story sounds.
Record the Podcast i) Record your podcast, edit audio material, add special effects, polish to professional quality.	i) Use audacity to produce your podcast, experiment with the various effects.
Publish to the Internet i) After converting your completed podcast into an mp3 file, add your podcast to the RSS feed on our website.	i) Organizing information for effective dissemination to a mass audience.

** Be sure to understand and abide by Copyright Policies


Basic Expectations

1. Final Podcast is 3-5 minutes in length

2. Podcast is published to the internet available for download by the class before or at the deadline

3. Information is valid, accurate and easy to follow

4. A genuine effort has been made to design the podcast for and within the “new” medium. Originality is used to purvey the message.