Technology In The Classroom

Podcasting: Getting Setup and Sample Activity

Podcasting: Just when I think I know everything!

It is always motivating to learn something new, or just a new twist on an older concept. Podcasting is an example of how, "An old dog can learn new tricks."

Podcasting is the distribution of audio or video files, such as radio programs or music videos, over the Internet. However, there is a new twist. WHAT IS RSS?

is the distribution of audio or video files, such as radio programs or music videos, over the Internet. However, there is a new twist. WHAT IS RSS?

Motivation:

I found the following insight provided by Odvard Egil Dyrli, a professor at UC, quit informative and motivating. "Podcasting is so new that educators and students are essentially writing the book on bringing the technology to teaching and learning. Current applications range from placing audio updates from administrators on district Web sites, recording class presentations for later review, uploading interviews of community leaders and producing online school radio broadcasts. Duke University distributed iPods with school-related information and instructional content to all of its first-year students this year, and similar applications are being discussed at K-12 levels, too. Podcasts are popping up everywhere" I am inspired because we are essentially on the front lines of "Podcasting in Education."

How to get started with Podcasting: Using basic Podcastings

Podcastings are not limited to audio clips. Podcasting include an array of multimedia elements. With this in mind, I selected a (Combined) package that included iTune, which will serve as my aggregator, and Quicktime, which will support the array of multimedia elements used when accessing podcastings. I also selected Quicktime to be my default multimedia program. Furthermore, iTunes is a great program because when you start using RSS subscriptions, the process is simplified through iTunes.

LINK FOR THE DOWNLOAD:

Quicktime with iTune

http://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/win.html

1. Once software is installed, and computer has been restarted, open the program iTunes.
2. Visit your iTunes Library and click on the button "Podcasting" in the left margin.
3. Minimize the iTunes Program
4. Open Internet Explorer and visit some Podcasting resources. I really liked PBS resources at http://www.pbs.org/podcasts/ I will be using a podcast from this sight to explain how to assess a podcast?
5. I selected the follow podcast because it appeared exciting and it also incorporated audio and video into the podcast.

   Jean-Michel Cousteau's Ocean Adventures
   Jean-Michel and his expedition team explore dangerous and spectacular locales.

   
   Jean-Michel and his expedition team explore dangerous and spectacular locales.

   http://www.pbs.org/oceanadventures/rss/podcast.xml

6. Copy the provided URL
7. Return to iTunes, on the menu bar select advanced, select Open Stream, and paste the copied URL, Clcik OK and allow time to download.
8. Once downloaded, there will be an arrow pointing to the right, beside the Title of the Podcast, click the arrow to unthread the episodes.
9. You have downloaded the episode on "Gray Whales," click on the view icon beside the title to view. OR Click GET to download additional episodes.

The New Trick: RSS Feeds/Subscriptions

The New TRICK is related to what is known as RSS.

What is RSS?

RSS is an acronym for Really Simple Syndication. RSS feeds are an easy and efficient way to receive notification when new information is available in a specific area of interest.

How can I benefit from RSS Feeds?

RSS feeds save time, allowing users to receive notification only when new content is available. Web site visitors choose the information they wish to subscribe to and can un-subscribe from any feed at any point.

How to begin receiving RSS Feeds:

1. I searched the web for student news and podcastings.
2. I found the resource CNN Student News very interesting.

   Overview: CNN Student News utilizes CNN's worldwide resources to bring each day's top news stories to middle and high school classrooms. The 10-minute, commercial-free program encourages student participation and provides classes with context for understanding current events. Visit the Site: http://edition.cnn.com/services/podcasting/

3. I click the link subscription POD.
4. Copied the URL
5. Open iTunes, Click Advanced, Subscribe to Podcast and pasted the URL.
6. A direct link to this service has been created and you will receive the updated news casting daily!

Classroom Applications:

Using Podcasting technology has many classroom applications.

Activity:

Have students visit the following site: http://www.pbs.org/newshour/rss/media/index.html

Distribute the Worksheets:

Worksheet 1: http://blogs.lib.ncsu.edu/resources/TECHZONE/podcast_5wh[1].pdf

Worksheet 2: http://blogs.lib.ncsu.edu/resources/TECHZONE/podcast_findingfacts[1].pdf

Students will complete the Worksheets as they watch the Podcasting.

Posted at 04:59PM Nov 13, 2006 by SIMMONS, AMBER in Internet  |  Comments[0]