Audio Tips > Create your own Podcast

• What is a podcast?
  
  A podcast is a way of publishing audio files for people to listen to and subscribe to using certain software. Podcasting is a type of audio blogging. It was historically listened to by people on their iPod (hence the 'pod') or other audio player that supports .mp3.
  
  
  
• How do I create a podcast?
  
  PLAN & PREPARE - before you even think of stepping up to the microphone you must plan your podcast. Keep your audience in mind - who will listen to it? How long is your podcast going to be?
  
  RECORD - this can be done using something as simple as a microphone attached to your computer and the basic audio recording software which comes with your operating system (e.g. Windows audio recorder). Using a USB headset microphone however, (e.g. Logitech) will give you better sound quality. You can of course produce your audio using a number of different softare packages and combinations.
  
  EDIT (if required) - after recording, it's time to edit. Arrange all the audio in order, trim clips of unnecessary pauses etc. Music and sound effects can be added as well.
  
  PUBLISH - once you have produced your recorded content you need to ensure it is exported in a file format which is suitable for podcasting. You can use the MTN site to publish your podcast.
  
  
  
• What audio/file types are allowed for my podcast?
  
  .mp3 files have become the unofficlal standard for Podcasts. .mp3 format is supported by many applications because of its popularity. If you have audio in another file format e.g. .avi
  
  
  
• What quality and bitrate should I use for my podcast audio?
  
  You should try to use the lowest bitrate you can get away with without compromising the quality of your content unreasonably. You should find speech works well at levels as low as 32kb/s and can be mono rather than stereo.

Subscribe to MTN Podcasts

Find out how to subscribe to a Making The News podcast using iTunes by visiting the Subscribe to MTN Podcast page.

MTN Podcast examples

• Study United FC Radio Podcast by Brigg Primary - an excellent example of an MTN podcast by primary school students, including coverage of local matches, the 'Lee and Jacob Show', and the Study United Sports Quiz!

Podcast Links

An excellent resource to introduce you to podcasting in eduation is the 'Learninginhand' website. It shows you how to:

Another excellent resource is this video podcast from the E-learning Stuff blog - it outlines the technology you can use to create your podcasts.

• Podcasts for educators, schools and colleges - an excellent site for educators, parents and carers has a directory to help you find quality podcasts from over 360 selected channels for educational use. Also has links to a wide range of resources.
• Assignment Podcast - a mini-website dedicated to providing pupils and teachers with everything they need to know to make their own internet audio programmes.
• Podcasting in Education - an Apple website outlining what the Mac can offer in terms of creating podcasts and sharing them.
• iPod in Education - podcasting in education - a useful summary article about podcasting.
• PrioryPodcasting - a dedicated podcasting website of Priory Community School, with a growing list of podcasts to listen to.
• The Downs FM - children producing a weekly radio programme.
• Radio Sandaig Podcasts - Sandaig Primary School

 

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