Welcome to the TRC Podcasting Network Resource Site

The Texas Regional Collaboratives is establishing a statewide podcasting network to support the distribution of online professional development content to Texas science educators. The network includes:

• Regional podcast specialists who can offer training in the use of podcasts for education
• Centralized hosting of podcast content
• Online support resources for the use of podcast in education
• A central online index of content
• Online support for the authoring process

The TRC Podcast Network is supported by the Toyota USA Foundation. The initial feasibility pilot was funded by the El Paso Corporation and ongoing access to internet resources in science and technology education for Texas Regional Collaboratives teachers and educators is supported by AT&T Foundation, a TRC statewide corporate partner.

Explore the tabs above to learn what a podcast is and how to be involved as a consumer of content, to understand the role of podcasting in education, to author content for the TRC Podcasting Network, to find a list of podcasts to explore, and how to become a podcast trainer for the Network.

Learning the Basics

What is a podcast?

“The practice of making audio files available online in a way that allows software to automatically detect new files and download them.” Wikipedia: Podcasting is a means of one-to-many audio distribution via the Internet. The term was coined from “iPod” and “Broadcast.” The term podcasting refers to the process of publishing a podcast series.

 

What format is a podcast? Is it two way?

A podcast is a one-to-many broadcast medium. It is not live. The podcast may be audio, audio with still images and web links, video, photos, and PDFs.

 

Is a podcast just a downloadable file?

Not just a file, but rather an ongoing sequence of files, with new content posted on a regular basis. It is more accurate to think of a podcast as a “podcast series,” with many sequential episodes.

 

What are the tools I need to listen?

The free application iTunes from Apple (Windows or Mac) http://www.apple.com/itunes/overview A fast Internet Connection is preferred (DSL, Cable, School Ethernet)
An optional iPod will provide portable access.

 

Do I have to buy an iPod to listen to or watch podcast?

No, you can just listen or watch on your computer.

 

So, a podcast is like a daily radio show?

In some ways, but unlike radio, you can listen at your convenience. The episodes, usually audio, download automatically to your CPU and can also be automatically transferred to your iPod when it is connected. You could think of it as TIVO for radio. The episodes are recorded if and only if you have added them to your list.

 

Do I have to check to see when new content has been added?

No, the free application iTunes is used to manage the process of using podcast content. Within iTunes, you can search and find new podcast, subscribe to podcast of interest (free), and set up preferences as to how often iTunes checks for new content and which podcasts are transferred to your iPod. You can listen to the content within iTunes and do not have to have an iPod to participate in this new information distribution medium.

 

What does it mean to “subscribe” to a podcast?

It just means you are telling iTunes the URL of a new podcast so that it can check the source for new content on a regular basis. It does not mean that you are communicating with the publisher of the content. Subscribing is anonymous.

 

Can I use iTunes on a shared CPU to manage my podcasts?

If you are not using an iPod with automatic sync, it is possible, but iTunes will not keep your list of podcast separate from others. If your operating system supports multiple users, then there can be a separate iTunes library for each user.

 

Where does the podcast content come from?

Traditional print, radio, and video publishers are re-publishing existing and original content as podcasts. Universities are supporting standard and distance learning courses with supplemental podcasts. Museums and other organizations with an educational purpose. Individual self-proclaimed content experts.

 

Do I have to use iTunes?

If you have another kind of MP3 player, you can use one of several podcast aggregators other than iTunes. Non iTunes aggregators are compatible with MP3 format podcasts, but not the AAC format supported by iTunes which allows embedded images and web links.

 

What are some of the educational applications of podcasting?

The following are just a few educational applications of podcasting.

• Professional development
• Supplemental textbook materials
• School-to-home communications
• Faculty lectures
• Daily announcements
• Foreign languages
• Audio books
• Speeches
• Music instruction
• Test preparation
• Synchronized sideshows
• Opportunities for authentic learning
• Sound-seeing tours
• Broadcast student audio plays
• Interviews with content experts
• Ongoing student produced “radio” talk shows about content learned

 

What knowledge & skills are required to access podcast content?

Learn to do the following to demonstrate mastery of iTunes management of podcasts:

• Download and install the latest version of iTunes.
• Learn how to find a podcast of interest.
• Listen to a few sample episodes.
• Subscribe to the podcasts that will be useful.
• Identify your personal iTunes library and
• demonstrate how to set your preferences for updates.

 

Tell me step by step how to use iTunes for podcasts.

The first time you visit iTunes to explore podcast content, following these steps:

1. Launch iTunes.
2. Select Podcasts in iTunes Store (upper left).
3. Browse featured items.
4. Select a category
5. Try browsing by New & Notable, Provider, Featured, or Top Podcast groupings
6. Select one podcast series by clicking on its icon or name
7. Read the series description
8. Note associated web sites
9. Click the Subscribe button
10. Navigate to the podcast section of your iTunes library
11. Expand the series title (small triangle icon)
12. Select an episode, click the Play button to listen
13. If the podcast contains video or photos, choose View: Artwork
14. Click the Get button to download past episodes

 

How do I transfer podcasts to my iPod?

Connect your iPod and select Podcasts tab Check Sync all unplayed episodes Check those podcasts you wish on your iPod Click Apply Alternatively, choose manual mode to drag content

 

How do I learn more about the instructional use of podcasting in the classroom?

Apple has three excellent online video segments which address: the tools required for student authoring of podcasts, classroom podcast examples and how students are engaged, and how podcasts can be used by administrators for internal and external communication. Watch these free video webcasts here: http://www.apple.com/education/resources/podcastingvideos/

Additional online resources:

• http://www.apple.com/education/digitalauthoring/podcasting.html
• http://www.apple.com/ilife/tutorials/#garageband-podcast-51

 

Download this content in PDF format to use as a training handout here:
http://thetrc.org/trc/download/podcasthandout.pdf

Questions? keith.mitchell@mail.utexas.edu

 

Podcasting in Education

Podcast content and the actual publishing process both have a role to play for the professional growth of educators, for the content knowledge for teachers and students, and as an avenue for authentic media-rich projects by students. With publishing sources such as NPR Science Friday, NOVA , National Geographic, and Scientific American; it is obvious that access to content expertise is a big plus. Think of podcast as a resource for current events. By finding and following key podcasts in your academic area, stay in touch with leading discoveries, theories, and related news. Used in the classroom, podcasts become an ideal media rich “weekly reader” for current events. Searching by keyword and category, it will often be possible to find content related to classroom assignments. Due to the nature of the web, preview all content before using in the classroom.

 

Educational Applications

Here are a few a few applications of podcasting in education. Some list items are links to example podcasts for that category.

• Professional development
• Supplemental textbook materials
• School-to-home communications
• Faculty lectures or
• Daily announcements
• Foreign languages
• Audiobooks (not free)
• Speeches
• Music education
• Test preparation
• Synchronized slide shows
  
  

Authentic and Engaging Student Authoring Projects

• Sound-seeing tours
• Broadcast student audio plays
• Interviews with content experts
• Ongoing student produced “radio” talk shows about content learned
  
  

Student & Teacher Published Podcasts

The process of publishing a podcast is not difficult, nor is it cost prohibitive. Publishing a podcast on the Internet is a motivating reason to conduct research, write scripts, and work as a team to go “live” to illustrate mastery of content. Explore some of the following student and educator published content to see what is possible! To stay on top of the best school produced podcasts subscribe to KidCast.

 

Podcast Content by and for the Classroom

Many schools are publishing podcasts to support their community communications, to provide teacher professional development, and to give an authentic audience for student multimedia projects. The following podcasts are good examples for you to explore.

Podcast Title	Sample	Podcast Title	Sample
A School in the Coulee Podcast		Our City Podcast A national project taking submissions
Longfellow Middle School La Crosse, Wisconsin		Patton Pioneer Elementary School Podcast - Austin, Texas
Podcast Central Mayby Middle School		Broward Schools News 2 Go! District Announcement Podcast
San Marcos Bilingual/ESL iPod Project		English as a Second Language
Radio WillowWeb Willowdale Elementary School Omah,, NB		Education Conference Connections
Cow Hear This! - Charles M. Blalack Middle School, Carrollton, Texas.		Education Index on iTunes
KidCast with Dan Schmit		iTunes U
John Lennon Bus Videos Students Learn Multimedia Production Tools		Beyond4Walls Project Carrollton Farmers Branch
Where in the World collaborative podcast

KidCast

One of the best ways to stay on top of the news about what is happening with podcasting in education is to subscribe to Dan Schmit's podcast, KidCast. Dan is a frequent workshop presenter and conference keynote on the topic of podcasting in education. His podcast episodes include podcast authoring tips, featured schools using podcasting in creative ways, and contests that teachers and students can participate in. Dan has the popular book, KidCast: Podcasting in the Classroom, and excellent resource to learning about podcasting and its role in educational environments. Subscribe to the KidCast podcast. Follow Dan Schmit's technology blog.

 

 

Authoring Tips

By Keith Mitchell, Ph.D.

A podcast for iTunes consist of a recorded audio or video file saved in MP3 or ACC format AND a text file called an RSS feed. The text file has links to all the episode media files and the metadata for the podcast series and each episode. (title, author, etc.) The feed (text file) and all the audio can be uploaded to any HTTP server, including a .mac account. The URL to the feed is what users actually subscribe to. There are other podcast management tools than iTunes as well as many media formats, but, for the purpose of our statewide podcasting network, the standard will be iTunes and iPod compatible media formats. The following guidance for hardware and software tools assumes these standards.

 

What hardware do I use for capturing content for a podcast?

Selecting the best hardware for recording audio and video podcast content can be a challenge. Insuring the different components purchased are compatible with each other, with your computer's operating system, and with the software used will require some careful research or access to others who are succeeding with an equivalent environment. Please share with others in the TRC podcast network the authoring tools that work well in your environment. The following discussion may assist in making purchasing decisions for hardware solutions required for podcast authoring. While a link to a specified source may be given, please conduct your own research as to the best price and for additional solutions in the same category as the tools mentioned. Consider purchasing multiple systems to take care of different recording needs and portability requirements. It is impossible to test all of the listed hardware in every environment. Take personal responsibility to research compatibility issues.

 

USB Headsets
A headset will consist of a combination earphone with integrated microphone. Headsets are suitable for recording a single person at a time. The close proximity of the microphone to the user, results in very good audio with minimal background noise. The conversion from audio to digital is taken care of by the headset. Cost can be as low as $40 to $70 from brands such as Logitech and Plantronics. Check for compatibility for your computer platform, operating system, and recording software. Generally, look for a USB computer headset commonly used for Internet voice chatting.

 

Audio Adapters in Combination with External Microphones

For a system capable of recording more than one person at a time, consider an audio to digital adapter with multiple microphone input jacks. These boxes provide for microphone amplification, earphone monitoring during and after the recording, and on the fly conversion of audio to a digital signal.
They are available with USB or IEEE1394 cables. The USB variety are less likely to have driver issues, but the IEEE1394 (Firewire) boxes often support even more simultaneous microphones. Just make sure to check for compatibility before purchasing. Recent operating system (VISTA, and Mac 10.5) currently offer compatibility issues with some adapters. The M-Audio Fastrack (1 mike channel) or Fastrack Pro USB (2 channel) adapters are possibly a good first choice for a 1 or 2 microphone USB adapter in the $150 to $250 range. These adapters will required one or two condenser microphones with XLR cables ($30-$200). If an adapter that supports only one channel is purchased, a single microphone can be used with multiple subjects. This setup however will not allow separate volume adjustment or editing for each subject, Finally, you may want to purchase desk stands for each of your microphones. If an XLR cable does not come with the mike, purchase this as well.

Another very low cost one-microphone USB adapter is the Griffin iMic USB adapter. Use a common condenser microphone with a 1/8th miniature jack with this adapter. The iMic does not require an external power supply and could be used to record podcast content directly to a battery powered laptop in the field.

 

Portable Recording

Any portable audio recorder that supports USB transfer of an audio recording should work for mobile recording of interviews or presentations that can be published as podcast content. Many hand held units record directly to a memory card. The M-Audio MicroTrack II, Edirol R-09 Digital Recorder, Korg MR-1000 are high end solutions to consider. ($300-$1300) Check for compatibility and microphone specifications. A mini-disk recorder is also a good solution if you have one of the audio adapters above to transfer the content to your computer. If possible use an external microphone close to your speaker for best quality.

A low cost adapter that converts a video iPod into a hand held audio recorder is the Griffin iTalk Pro iPod recorder. This unit does not work with all iPod's, so check specifications.

Use most portable camcorders to record video podcasts to tape if they have USB or Firewire digital transfer cables. If you only need the audio, use QuickTime Pro to strip out the video leaving just the audio for a podcast. Use an external wired or wireless microphone with your camcorder to reduce the room and camcorder motor noise.

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What software applications should be used?

The optimal software will depend on your computer platform, plans for audio and or video format, need for multiple audio track recording, and your editing requirements.

Solutions which do everything can also handle your needs for a simple audio podcast. Purchase solutions will support growth to more complex podcasts.

 

 

Enhanced and Simple Audio Podcasts

MACINTOSH
For simple audio or video capture, when very little editing is required, consider using QuickTime Pro ($29). Download this PDF to see the steps required to record audio or video content on Mac or Windows with QuickTime Pro. This software will work with most USB headsets, USB audio adapters, or Firewire (IEEE1394) camcorders.

An enhanced audio podcast supports embedded images or synchronized slides, web links, and chapter tracks. On the Mac platform, use GarageBand from Apple (ships with the cpu). GarageBand supports the USB headsets and USB audio adapters mentioned above. The GarageBand environment also supports recording multiple audio sources simultaneously with 2 channel audio adapters (FastTrack Pro). Drag and drop images or slides into the timeline as they are needed. To learn more about using GarageBand for podcast authoring see: Creating a Podcast in Garageband (video instruction).

Another solution on the Mac to consider is ProfCast. ProfCast makes it possible to actually record an enhanced podcast while presenting a PowerPoint or Keynote slide show. Profcast takes care of recording both the audio and the synchronization of the slides. Just drag your presentation file into Profcast, deliver your presentation using one of the audio solutions described above to capture the audio. When you stop the slide show, Profcast will immediately produce the enhanced podcast file and even handle the uploading to your server.

WINDOWS
For simple audio or video capture, when very little editing is required, consider using QuickTime Pro ($29). Download this PDF to see the steps required to record audio or video content on Mac or Windows with QuickTime Pro. This software will work with most USB headsets, USB audio adapters, or Firewire (IEEE1394) camcorders.

Annotated Images & Slides
Unfortunately a viable solution for Windows to produce an enhanced audio podcast compatible with the iPod is not currently available. You can alternatively produce a video podcast, which will allow you to easily embed images or slides in your podcast. A video podcast will be a larger download than an enhanced podcast and will not display images with text as well. One approach to produce an audio / image podcast is to use Photo Story from Microsoft. (free) Dan Shmidt, author of KidCast has an excellent podcast discussing the process. The final product will be in Windows Media format. Dan suggest using Jodix to convert the file to MP4, an iPod video format.

There are many utilities which support recording one track of audio on Windows. A tool produced specifically for podcast authoring is Propaganda. ($49.95) Propaganda supports recording one track at a time and manipulation of content in multiple tracks. This solution also will produce the podcast feed as described below.

Podcast Station offers a very unique tool for podcast production on Windows XP or Vista. While recording an audio only podcast, one can click banks of buttons with pre-loaded music and effects to mix these sounds into the recording track during the live recording. This makes it possible to produce a sophisticated sounding podcast very quickly. Podcast Station only supports one track of audio and simple cut and paste edits. Podcast Station does not come with any royalty free music or effects sounds. The solution will also produce the podcast feed as described below.

For multi-track audio capture and editing for Windows, the most frequently mentioned podcast solution is a shareware program called Audacity. Audacity supports simultaneous recording of multiple tracks if your audio adapter is compatible. With the optional Lame Encoder, Audacity can export MP3 format which is compatible with the iPod or iTunes can convert MP3 to AAC format.

One source of royalty free music, stingers, and sound effects for podcasts, is RoyaltyFreeMusic.com.

For Windows tools with a more powerful feature set and a cleaner interface consider Adobe Audition or Protools. Note that most video editing solutions support audio capture as well.

 

Video Podcasts

Video podcast, sometimes called vodcast, take longer to download, but will often be appropriate for delivering maximum visualization. This will often be the case for educational content. There is a wide variety of software for video editing on both Macintosh and Windows systems. Windows authors may need to do a final conversion of their content to make it compatible for iTunes and iPod.

MACINTOSH
For quick and dirty recording of video for a podcast, you can use Quicktime Pro. (minimal editing supported). For more complex video podcasts, use iMovie (ships with the cpu). iMovie will support basic to advanced editing including multiple audio tracks. There is a simple menu item for exporting in podcast format.



Videocue Pro, from Vara on the Macintosh ($89.99), displays a teleprompter with your prepared verbiage. Drag images, slides, or even video clips next to the text where it should appear in your video podcast. Click a record button and just face your camcorder (connected by Firewire) and read the scrolling text. Videocue will automatically dissolve media in and out at the appropriate times.

WINDOWS
On Windows, any video editing tool will work for capturing and editing video podcasts. The most popular tools include Adobe Premiere and Windows Moviemaker.

A new Adobe tool similar in function to VideoCue, described above, is Vlog It.

Most Windows tools will have an option to export the finished project in Windows Media format. You will then need to convert it to iPod format using a utility such as iPod Video Converter from Jodix.com (shareware). Metadata can be added in your Feed authoring software as described below.

 

Software for Managing the Podcast Feed

As has been mentioned, the audio or video media is only half the equation for authoring a podcast. To publish a podcast series, you also need a way to produce and maintain the feed which is basically a text file (xml) containing the descriptive data of the series and each episode. The feed is what users subscribe to in iTunes in order to receive your content on an ongoing basis. Feed generation tools may be a stand alone application, be integrated into the content production tool, or be generated by an online tool. Sometimes podcast series have a companion blog. If a given blog posting has an audio or video attachment, then the podcast feed is updated to add the media as a new podcast episode. Some of the tools assume this companion blog, most do not. The following are a few choices for you to consider.

MACINTOSH
Along with recording enhanced podcasts, ProfCast has a great feed management tool, referred to as the Podcast Manager. Click one button and fill out a form to create a podcast series and then do the same for each new episode of your podcast. Use the Podcast Manager independent of the authoring component of ProfCast and in combination with other tools. For example, one might create an episode using ProfCast and a PowerPoint or Keynote slide show and the next episode with GarageBand or VideoCue. ProfCast Manager can be used to maintain the feed and to upload feed file and the media.

iWeb, which comes installed on recent Macintosh CPUs, works in tandem with GarageBand for creating a Blog with a companion podcast feed. If you need your podcast to have a companion web site, iWeb is easy to learn. Using a drag and drop method of authoring with templates, create a professional looking blog and podcast.

Podcast Maker and Feeder are additional stand alone Mac applications for maintaining podcast feeds for less than $40.

WINDOWS
Propaganda, mentioned above as an audio capture and editing tool, can also be used to maintain the feed for audio only podcasts.

WINDOWS AND MAC
FeedForAll is a stand alone application for maintaining podcast feeds for $40.

FeedBurner is a free online tool that can be used to generate and maintain a feed from an existing Blog such as those created with Google Blogger, Wordpress, or MySpace.

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After capturing the media, how do I publish to the web and have people subscribe?

You have to have access to a standard HTTP server. You must upload your media files to this server along with the feed (text file) which tells iTunes the title, description, and location of each episode’s media. Many of the tools we have mentioned above have the ability to directly upload the files to a server if you have an authorized name and password and the correct server address. These include ProfCast, FeedForAll, Propaganda, and iWeb (to .Mac).

Share with your intended audience the URL to the feed in an email with directions for subscribing in iTunes. (Advanced menu, Subscribe to Podcast) Alternatively, provide a web page or email link to the feed and precede the URL with the prefix <itpc://> rather than the usual <http://>. This will automatically subscribe them to your podcast in iTunes if iTunes is installed. Try this link to subscribe to Children's Mathematics podcast.

 

If your server is an OS X Server, a web page upload facility is offered making it easy for anyone to post their podcast media and update their feed. Learn about Podcast Producer from Apple for a systemic approach to podcast publishing.

 

Questions? keith.mitchell@mail.utexas.edu

 

Be a TRC Podcast Specialists

The TRC Podcast Network

The TRC is embarking on a project to expand the use of this new communication medium to establish a statewide science and mathematics professional development Podcast Network to support TRC professional development programs. The TRC Podcast Network will provide an effective infrastructure for communication and is a component of our master plan for online expansion. Using the TRC Podcast Network, content in the form of text, audio, or video will be “broadcast” online from the originator to either specific groups or to our entire science and mathematics education community. Once established, we believe this new communication infrastructure will find many innovative applications. Applications of the Podcast Network will include connecting the classroom educator with content and professional development experts, follow-up mentoring after face to face professional development workshops, delivery of organizational announcements, and increased cross collaborative sharing of effective practice.

The Success of the Network Depends on the Availability of Training and Support

To successfully leverage this online media distribution system, it is important to establish a cadre of Collaborative Podcast Specialists throughout the state. These Podcast Specialists will be expected to provide Podcasting in Education workshops. These workshops will address the skills for accessing podcast content. Any collaborative member can be a podcast specialist just by spending the time to master the technology. This web site will provide the materials you need to train others in using podcasts for learning. While it is not required, you may wish to attend a podcast training session in Austin. The Collaborative is funding travel for one specialist per mathematics and science collaborative to attend a hands-on session. The following outline and downloadable materials will help you begin planning your delivery of a workshop and the web site as a whole will provide the resources your attendees can use after participation in your training.

 

Planning a Podcasting in Education Workshop

Some of Our Favorite Science Podcasts in iTunes

There are hundreds of podcasts which will help you stay on top of the latest in science news or provide an easy way to bring science current events into the classroom. The following are just a few examples you may want to explore. Click the Sample icons to launch iTunes and then click the Play button in iTunes to listen to or watch an episode. Click the Subscribe button in iTunes to subscribe to the podcast. To see an even larger list of featured science and medicine Podcast episodes, launch iTunes, click the podcast link, then choose Science and Medicine from the Categories section of the page.

Podcast Title	Sample	Podcast Title	Sample
Hidden Universe HD: NASA's Spitzer Space Telescope		NPR: Environment
Science Friday - Making Science Radioactive		Astronomy Cast
Wild Chronicles		Science Channel Features
NOVA scienceNOW		Science @ NASA Feature Stories Podcast
Science Talk: The Podcast of Scientific American		NASA's Jet Propulsion Laboratory Podcast
60-Second Science Scientific American		Science Update Podcast AAAS
NASAcast Video		SkyWatch
NOVA | PBS WBGH Science Unit		Earth & Sky Radio Series
NOVA Vodcast | PBS		NASA's Chandra X-ray Observatory
Texas Regional Collaborative