There
are four Peas(P's) in a Pod(cast). When one plans a PeaPodCast
Garden, it is wise to understand the meaning of the four Peas.
The Moodle book below is broken into four subchapters for each of the
four Peas (P'), with numerous subchapters. Much of the material
is multimedia, so let me know if you have any trouble hearing or seeing
any of the elements.
Before
beginning, you and/or your students need to make a few decisions. It
won't take long, and in the end, you will all be very glad that
you took the time to consider these things.
There are just a few questions that need to be answered first.
• What's will be the topic/topics of your/your student's podcast?
• What's the format of these podcast?
• How long will each episode be?
• How often are you going to release new shows?
Taking
time to consider these questons will help you focus on a much better
end product. In the case of an educational podcast, a storyboard
is a nice tool to envision a series of podcasts and the order the
individual podcasts go in. Good planning will make you listeners want
to hear more.
1.1 Topic - What's it all about?
Topic - What's it all about
The first step in planning your podcast is to choose a topic. When you choose a topic for your podcast:
Choose something that excites you. This will make creating your podcast fun now and in the long run.
Make
sure there is enough demand for your topic, especially if you want to
make money, promote a business or gain a large audience.
Once you have a topic for your
podcast you need to choose a format. Format is important for keeping
your listener’s interest. If you don’t carefully consider your format,
not only could you could lose your subscribers, but you can also run
into problems with your hosting and drive yourself crazy because your
podcast takes too much of your time to create.
Spend a little time deciding how long your podcasts will be, how
often you wil post new show, and what your typical show outline will
be. These are important decisions that will affect you and your
student's time commitments and help everyone enjoy putting a show
together. These decisions may also aid you in deciding what kinds of
hosting best suit your needs.
With all this in mind, remember that, you know what's best for
you, your show and your audience when it comes to the length and
frequency of your show.
Spend some time listening to other podcasts. Pay attention to how
long they are. How long of a podcast do you like as a listener? Take
note of their structure and the segments used in each show. What
segments do you find enjoyable? Jot down some ideas. Take note of
how different podcasters put their shows on the net and try to relate
them to your desired classroom experience.
Element - What kinds of things will make up your podcast? Music, chat, interviews, reviews of other media, stories, etc.
How Often - When will you be posting your podcast? Daily, Weekly, on an unknown schedule?
How Long - Are
there time constraints? Bandwidth constraints? Do you want a fixed
time, or a unfixed length? How long can you maintain the
interests of your listeners?
Guests - Will you have guests? Musician (will they play), Interviewees? Will you have a co-host?
Something completely new and different?
1.3 Location
The Production Environment
Find a consistent spot to record your podcast (probably where your
computer is set up). Make sure it's quiet and free of distractions as
is possible. You want to be able to get a good recording free of noises
that distract from what you are saying.
Take background noise into consideration if you and/or your
students are doing live interviews or onsite recordings. And if
you can't delete the background sounds, try to work them into your
podcast.
There are lots of devices that are convenient for recording your
podcast on the go including MP3 players with built-in mics. Small
digital recorders can be had for not much money, and the digital
recordings are easily downloaded onto your PC and edited in Open Source
editing programs.
(NOTE: With proper editing you can often remove background sounds,
or in the case of some podcasts, you can add background sounds.
Be creative here.
2 Pea Number Two - Production
Production
The Gear
The Software
How to Record a PeaPodCast
2.1 The Gear
The Gear
Here's a list of the basic podcasting gear you need to get started:
A PC Running Windows XP or a Mac Running OS 9 or X
512 MB of RAM
2-3 GB of Free Hard Drive Space
Soundcard
Mic Input and Headphone Output on Your Computer
Headphones or Headset
Optional: MP3 Player
Optional: Pop Filter
The above podcasting gear consists of things that you probably already own or that you can buy for very little.
In some cases, there are other ways to produce podcast of some
quality. I have recorded phone conversations onto digital
devices, then formated those into MP3s and uploaded them into remote
locations so i could link to them from aggregators (saving me space on
my server and on my hard-drive). One of the great things about
this technology is the myriad of different ways a thing can be
accomplished.
NOTE: So far, we are only talking about audio podcasting.
Stepping up to video or vlogging or vidcasting may require additional
applications and space.
2.2 A Computer
Your first piece of podcasting gear is your computer. Most likely you will record and edit your podcast on your PC or Mac.
There are ways to record and publish your podcast without a
computer. These methods are limited as to what you can do and the
quality will not be the same.
These days you can get a PC for very little money. Also, Apple has
now released the Mac Mini, an entry-level Macintosh that is also
inexpensive.
Most computers that have been released in the last few years can be
used for podcasting. I have a 900 MHz PC with Windows XP that I bought
5 years ago that I have used in my podcasting setup. The most demanding
thing your computer will need to do is record and process the audio.
Short of a computer, you can use a cell phone or regular
land-based line to record a message on a remote server and upload that
to a blog as a Podcast.
2.3 Podcasting on a PC
It’s
a safe bet that if you have a PC that runs Windows XP (without crawling
like a tortoise), then you can use it for podcasting. You might be able
to get by with older computers or operating systems, but it might be
slow and difficult.
If you do have an older computer (or a basic entry-level computer)
and you want to upgrade it a bit for podcasting, then the best thing
you can do is add memory. I am not talking about hard drive space
(although that helps as well). I am talking about RAM.
More RAM will make your computer operate faster when recording and
processing audio. Upgrading to 512 MB or more of RAM will make a
noticeable difference.
You will need at least 2-3 gigabytes of free hard drive space to
save your audio files to. If you plan to archive the audio without
compressing it to MP3, then you will want to have several gigabytes
available.
The final thing you need on your PC is a sound card and a line in
and line out. These jacks may also be labeled “mic” (in) and
“headphones” (out). Most PCs and laptops have a built-in sound card and
in/out jacks.
If you need to purchase a sound card for your PC, you might try the Creative Soundblaster Audigy 4. A cheaper option is the Griffin iMic.
This is an audio device that connects by USB. It adds a mic input and a
headphone jack to your computer and is very inexpensive.
Minimum requirements for podcasting with a PC:
Running Windows XP
512 MB of RAM
At least 2-3 GB of Hard Drive Space
Soundcard
In/Out or Mic/Headphone Jacks
2.4 Podcasting on a MAC
Although
this tutorial was made on a PC and focuses on using a PC, I want to
talk for a bit about what kind of Mac computer you need for podcasting.
I personally am not a Mac user. From what I know, I would venture to
say that if you are running OS 9 or X, then your Mac should be able to
handle the task of audio recording.
As with the PC, one of the best things you can do is upgrade to at least 512 MB of RAM.
If you have a Mac Mini, you will need to add mic and headphones
jacks since it doesn't come with any installed. The easiest way to do
that is with the Griffin iMic. This is a USB device that adds an in & out jack to your computer for very cheap.
You'll need at least 2-3 gigabytes of free space to record your
audio to. If you plan to archive the audio without compressing it to
MP3, then you will want to have several gigabytes available.
Minimum requirements for podcasting with a Mac::
Running OS 9 or X
512 MB RAM
At Least 2-3 Gigabytes of Hard Drive Space
Soundcard
In/Out or Mic/Headphone Jacks
2.5 Broadband Internet Connection
This
is not really podcasting gear, but obviously it's something you need.
To upload your podcast to the internet and update your site you will
need an internet connection.
The only reason I mention it here is to point out that you must have
a broadband connection. This means a DSL, Cable or T1 internet
connection. (Ok, you could subscribe to a service and record
directly via phone to a remote site, but you lose the ability to edit,
which will profoundly affect your outcome. You can also probably
record without DSL and upload it to such a site, but remember that
audio files are large and it will be very difficult and time consuming
to do that kind of an upload.) Your MP3 files will be big enough that uploading them with a
dial-up connection would be like pulling teeth. You might try it once
and then that'll be the end of it, trust me.
NOTE: While we are on the subject, many of you who are
schoolteachers will be trying to podcast from a school network.
This will raise a number of other issues such as network protocols,
firewalls, security, etc. I suggest that you let your tech
person know in advance what you are trying to do, in hopes that they
can help you deal with these issues.
2.6 Microphones
There
are a lot of nice microphones available for recording your podcast.
This might be the first piece of podcasting gear you want to upgrade
when you decide to invest more money in your podcasting setup.
For now, just use whatever mic you have that will plug into your
computer’s mic jack. Many computers come with a mic of some sort.
If you don’t already have a mic, then I suggest the Labtec 524
as a starter. This mic goes for less than $10. It only picks up sound
right in front of the mic and has noise cancellation to filter out
background noise. It plugs right into your computer’s mic jack.
There are several other inexpensive microphones available at any
store that sells computer hardware or your local Radio Shack(or ordered
via the net).
2.7 Headphones and Headsets
Headphones:
Any headphones that will plug into your computer will work fine
with basic podcasting gear. If you don’t have any, you can get some for
less than $10 at any store that sells electronics.
Headsets:
Headsets are convenient for podcasting since the mic and headphones
are combined. If you prefer to get a headset for your podcasting setup,
then you might try the Altec Lansing AHS 302i
The cable from the headset has two plugs, one for the mic and one for
the headphones. This works best if the jacks are right next to each
other.
If you have a headset or plan to buy one, then you won't need a separate mic and headphones.
NOTE: Some podcasters argue that the best quality comes
about when you use a set of headphones plugged into your PC and a mic
plugged into a USB slot.
2.8 MP3 Player (optional)
This is not a “must have” piece of podcasting gear, but it would be handy for many reasons.
First of all, when you post your podcast, you can download it
through the feed and to your MP3 player just like your listeners. This
is a test run to experience your podcast as your listeners do.
This means downloading, syncing and listening to it on your MP3
player through little ear bud headphones like your audience will. You
should also see how the information from the MP3 file is displayed on
the MP3 palyer to be sure it looks like you want it to.
A test run is a good idea to make sure there are no glitches with your podcast or your feed.
It's also good to listen to other podcasts. You are more likely to
do this when you have an MP3 player to take the podcasts with you. This
will help you get ideas for your own show and stay current on what's
happening in podcasting,
If you have an iPod or other MP3 player, then make use of it for
your podcasting. If you don’t have one yet, don’t worry about getting
one until your podcast is under way and you have the desire and means
to buy one.
2.9 Pop Filter (optional)
I've
listed this as optional, but it can really make a difference in your
sound quality. A pop filter is a screen that blocks or filters the
popping sounds that are made when you say letters like 'p' when you
speak into a mic.
This is a common complaint about independent podcasters. They don't
use a pop filter and the sounds that result can be annoying to
listeners.
I'm not talking about the little clown-nose looking foam cover that
you sometimes see over mics. That won't do the trick. This is just for
wind noise.
It's easy to make one from stuff you already have or cheap enough to
buy one. A pop filter is basically screen material stretched over a
hoop that is held in front of the mic as you speak into it.
You can make a homemade pop filter by stretching nylons over a wire
anger or an embroidery hoop (for the guys out there, it's time to raid
your wife's/girlfriend's drawers...but ask them first!).
Then you just need to rig it in front of your mic or hold it while you speak into your mic.
Here are a couple links to instructions on making your own homemade pop filter:
We’ve talked the gear, now let’s take a look at the podcasting
software you’ll need. Right now we'll just cover podcasting software
for getting started. Later we can talk about some more advanced
software solutions for podcasting.
Here is a brief overview of the podcasting software you’ll need.
Later we can view some more detailed video tutorials on how to install
and use each of them. These are all free to download and use.
2.11 Audio Recorder and Editor
First
you'll need software for recording and editing your audio. Audacity has
become very popular in the podcasting arena. It has all the basic
features you’ll need to record and edit your shows, it’s easy to use
and it runs on PC or Mac, and it is Open Source.
Download Audacity (I use the Beta, but you may want to stick to the tried and true version)
An MP3 file contains information about the artist, album, genre,
etc. This info is stored in what is called ID3 tags. iTunes and Windows
Media Player use these tags to organize your MP3s.
Since your podcast will be floating around the internet, anyone
could pick it up from anywhere. One person might get it from a
directory. Somone might send the file to a friend by e-mail. The point
is that they won’t always get your podcast from your site.
You can use ID3 tags to store important information (such as your
web address) about your podcast in your MP3 file. This will make sure
that anyone who is listening to your podcast can find your web site and
come back to listen to more.
Why Use Your ID3 Tags
You want to be sure that any listener can look at the information in
their media player or on their iPod and know what your podcast is and
where it came from.
This is why it’s important to complete your ID3 tags in the right
way. Your ID3 tags should have your podcast’s name and your web site at
the very least. That way, when someone plays your podcast on their MP3
player, the name and web address will show up on their screen.
You want anyone to be able to find your site and your podcast even if all they have is one of your MP3 files.
How to Edit Your ID3 Tags
You can change the information in the ID3 tags in iTunes. Select the file you want to change, right-click and choose Get Info. Then click on the Info tab and fill in the data.
It's important to use your tags properly so that if someone is
listening to the MP3 and can’t remember where they got it, they can
immediately see what they’re listening to.
If you don’t use the tags correctly (or worse not at all) then it’s
more likely for your podcast file to get lost in the middle of all your
listener’s other MP3s.
3.3 Hosting your peapodcast
Podcasting Goals/Needs
Audience Size & Bandwidth Needs
Web Host Support Needs
Stats Needs
Ability to Customize Blog/Site
Blog Service
RSS Feed
Web Hosting/ File Storage
Cost
Notes
Casual Hobbyist
Small
Minimal
None
Some
Blogger
Feedburner
Ourmedia
FREE
Uptime is not dependable and there is little support on Ourmedia as it is non-profit.
Your media cannot be copyrighted to post it on Ourmedia. You have to use a Creative Commons license which allows certain uses of your media.
No stats
Hobbyist/
Small Business
Small to Medium
Basic
Basic
Some
Libsyn
Libsyn
Libsyn
$5-$30 per month
Libsyn gives you unmetered bandwidth and easy management of your blog & feed in one place. You can also register your own we b address for use with Libsyn.
The downside is that Libsyn has problems sometimes with downtime. They are usually very responsive, though.
Your blog/site on Libsyn is somewhat customizable but there are limitations as to how much you can do with your design.
Serious Hobbyist/ Business
Medium to Large
Dependable
As Accurate as Possible
Lots of Customiz-ation Available
Wordpress
Wordpress
Powweb
or
Globat
$7+
per month
Wordpress is very flexible when it comes to the design of your blog.
This will give you the most control over the look/feel and operation of
your site, yet it is still easy to update and publish your podcast with
Wordpress.
Wordpress automatically creates your podcast feed for you and includes a number of other great features.
Powweb and Globat
are both dependable web hosting services with excellent support. You
can get quick answers 24/7. You can rest easy knowing your podcast is
available 99.9% of the time
You don’t get unmetered
bandwidth. That is the cost of having more support and dependability.
These hosting plans still provide with plenty of bandwidth for the
serious hobbyist. You can pay for more bandwidth if needed.