Podcasts

iPod + Broadcasting = Podcasting

Just as blogging has impacted web-based communication, podcasting may have a similar impact. Podcasting is gaining momentum as a popular means to distribute audio and video files. RSS (Really Simple Syndication) makes podcasting possible. The RSS feed provides information about the podcast and links to media files.   MP3 audio is the most common type of media file included in podcasts, although it is possible to include video and even PDF documents. On the receiving end podcatcher software such as iTunes is used to subscribe to podcast feeds and automatically download content.

Introduction

Wikipedia provides an excellent overview. The NMC 2006 Horizon Report identifies personal broadcasting as one of the latest technologies to have an impact on higher education. Think about applications for podcasting beyond just recording an entire lectures. Potential uses for podcasting in higher education are numerous and include guest lectures, tutorials, student presentations, virtual tours, and extension presentations. The best advice might be to think about yourself having to listen to your own podcast!  The following list of websites provide a quick look at how others are making use of  podcasting in higher education and for delivery of educational programming to nontraditional audiences.

News and Information

Education

iTunes U for Universities

Extension

 

Podcast Workflow: Planning | Recording | Publishing

How is a podcast  created? What are the best methods for incorporating your podcast into your educational programs? How will the use of podcasts enhance learning? Is podcasting a viable option for the delivery of Extension programs? The definitive guide to podcasting has not been written. Planning, audio recording and publishing are the major stages of producing a podcast. The technical process of creating a podcast is relatively easy, and the software for audio recording and publishing podcast feeds is readily available; however, planning is the key stage in the workflow.   Design your podcast so it has value for your audience.

Planning

Start your planning by asking yourself, does the podcast have value to your intended audience? Instead of just using audio or video to restate existing written information, think about how multimedia can add detail to a topic. There is not a standard length for a podcast. An episode may vary from less than 2 minutes to 45 minutes or even more. The key is to make the podcast interesting. Planning will help maintain production quality and keep the podcast form becoming a burden on your time.

Presenting Yourself

When recording, try using a conversational style in your delivery and work from an outline instead of a script. Dr. Tim Mack's presentation, Tips for Recording Audio, is a good place to start when thinking about how to record audio for the best results.

 

Accessibility

Accessibility concerns need to be taken into account when considering podcast delivery of educational programs.

 

Copyright Issues

Training

Recording

Software

Audacity and LAME mp3 provide an open source solution for recording and editing audio.  Mac OS X users may want to try Garage Band.For more advanced audio editing options, try Sony SoundForge for Windows.

Desktop Audio Recording
Adding audio software such as Audacity and a USB microphone to your desktop or laptop computer is all that is required for basic audio recording.

Portable Audio Recording
Portable digital recorders are easy to use and open up a wide range of possibilities to record audio content for podcasts. You can record a guest presentation in a class or record an interview for your podcast. Marantz digital audio recorders are available for check-out from the Multimedia Lab located in 302 Hutcheson. PZM, wireless lavaliere, and desktop microphones are available.

 

Publishing

Options

Create Your Own RSS Feed
There are many programs available to generate RSS feeds for podcasting. After creating the RSS file, place it on a web server along with the associated media files. It helps to advertise your podcast, so place a link to the RSS feed from a website and even submit your podcast to the listing on iTunes. For both Windows and Mac OS X, Feed for All is a good choice. Podcast Maker is an easy to use software package for Mac OS X.

AHNR-IT Podcasting

Please contact Mark Sumner (mws@vt.edu) for more information.

Example:  Spanish for the Green Industry

Virginia Tech on iTunes U
During the Spring 2007 semester a pilot is underway to allow select courses and other mobile content to be available from Virginia Tech on iTunes U.  If you are an instructor and would like access to the iTunes U server, please contact Eddie Watson (edwatson@vt.edu) to get started.

 

Advertising / Evaluation

Let others know about your podcast by submitting your podcast feed to directories such as iTunes. Also include a link to the podcast feed from your website.

 

CALS Podcasting Committee

The goal of the CALS podcasting committee is to evaluate podcasting for teaching, research, Extension, communication, and marketing. Several demonstration projects have been selected for production to help evaluate podcasting.

Committee Members

 

Demonstration Projects

Industry and Academia Seminars
 Industry and Academia Seminars provide a forum for industry, governmental, and academic representatives to share their perspectives on current topics shaping agriculture and the life sciences today. Through this platform, the College of Agriculture and Life Sciences and industry hopes to identify critical issues and develop collaborations though our research, teaching, and Extension programs to help solve the challenges.

2006 Virginia Women in Agriculture Conference
The 2006 Virginia Women in Agriculture Conference was held March 21, 2006, in Staunton, Virginia. The purpose of the Virginia Women in Agriculture Conference is to provide educational opportunities for women involved in agriculture and agribusiness in Virginia. The conference featured a series of presentations on topics of high interest as a result of a state survey completed in November, 2005. It is designed to create new opportunities through education and networking to empower individuals in a changing environment. The conference was sponsored by Virginia Cooperative Extension, Colonial Farm Credit, Southern States, Virginia Farm Bureau, and the Women's Center at Virginia Tech.

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