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
Podcast Links
An excellent resource to introduce you to podcasting in eduation is the 'Learninginhand' website. It shows you how to:
- Find Podcasts
- Subscribe to Podcasts
- Listen to Podcasts
- Create Podcasts
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