Student Voices

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• Podcasting Essentials

Podcasting Essentials

What do I Need to Podcast?

A podcast (not to be confused or equated with Apple Inc's iPod) usually consists of a combination of audio and/or video that is made available for download via syndication. It is this syndication aspect of the delivery that separates a podcast from a file available for download (Used from Wikipedia).

To create a podcast you can use many diferent types of software for the diferent parts of the creation process. In addition there are many web based tools to help in the process. This page is design to provide a list of some of the basic tools you can use for an audio or video podcast.

Basic Equipment (Hardware)

• Computer
• Computer microphone
• Headphones (recommended)

Audio Podcast

To create your audio podcast you have to "mix" your voice recordings with music and sound effects to make it interesting.

Audio editing software

• For Windows we use Audacity a free open source audio editing software that allows to convert and create mp3 files. (.mp3 is the file extension used for podcasting) In addition you have to download and install LAME MP3 encoder:
• For Mac you can use Garageband (it comes with the Mac). The good thing about Garageband is that it has all the tools to create podcasts without having to leave the program. Audacity also has a Mac version. You also have to download LAME MP3 encoder as well.

Video Podcast

• Windows Movie Maker or iMovie will allow you to import video from a digital video camera or video clips to build your podcast.
• Photo Story 3 from Windows is a very simple program to use for creating movie slide shows. It even contains it own music creation tool that it really easy or you can import any music you like, please remember to follow appropriate copyright guidelines.

Tech-Ease

You can find additional technical assistance in the form of PDFs and instructional videos at Tech Ease (Mac | Win)

Additional Support

One of the event sponsors, Tech4Learning, is offering free 30 day downloads of Pixie and Frames. If a student creates and submits a podcast using Pixie or Frames for the Student Voices event the teacher will receive a free copy of Pixie or Frames. For support on Tech4Learning products and more information go to: http://www.tech4learning.com/student_voices

Step by Step

This is a suggested checklist to help you prepare for Student Voices:

1. Register for Student Voices
2. Complete step 2 for registration, a survey will come via email several days after you register or you can go to this link for the Survey.
3. Make arrangements with your administrator to have the the school available on April 25th.
4. Invite students to participate and send Media Release Forms home.
5. Talk to the participating students about the event ahead of time so they can begin planning, have them create a podcast script on the "Learning is Cool" theme.
6. Offer student practice on the software of choice (if needed)
7. On April 25th: Have your student create their podcast following their script.
8. Export or convert their podcast to: .mp3 (audio) or Quicktime .mv4 (video).
9. Student uploads the podcast to the blog or storage space, additional information on uploading will be provided soon.
10. Include the following information on the body of the entry:
11. • Student first name and last name first initial
    • Teacher name
    • School name
    • Grade