Thing+Sixteen

 **Thing Sixteen**


 * ** Introduction **

|| || As you learned in "Thing 15," a podcast consists of an **audio file** (in mp3 format) **published to the web** and an **RSS feed** (an XML file) that allows listeners to **subscribe** to your podcast using an RSS reader or podcatcher. Technologically, producing a podcast is actually **pretty easy**. There are lots of free podcast hosting sites on the web, and many services available to help you host your own podcast and create the appropriate RSS feed. There are "pod-safe" music sites, offering Creative Commons-licensed music to enhance your podcasts. There are scores of recording devices, software options, and production tools to help you create polished, professional-sounding audio. (After you have survived this "Thing," and want to begin making "real" podcasts, with sound effects, multiple segments and background music, visit the Podcasting Resources page to learn about Audacity and other tools for your podcast).
 * photo by David Clow ||

Producing a **quality** podcast is not so easy. When you are ready to begin podcasting with your students (click the Create button on the right side of the screen), you will find the real work lies in **planning, writing, editing, developing quality content, rehearsing and creating meaningful assessments**. Just as blogging begins with reading, **podcasting should begin with listening**.

That being said, who can expect teachers to invest in all that planning and effort if they don't feel confident that they can actually produce the podcast?

So, let's make a podcast.......

** Discovery Exercise ** Create a one-minute podcast using Vocaroo, Zamzar and PodOmatic. You DO NOT have to join or register for anything to complete this activity. (Mac users, feel free to record your podcast using Garage Band - PC users you can use the Sound Recorder to create your audio file - Everyone can download and use Audacity if you choose to.)

This "Thing" asks you to just "dip your toe" into podcasting by using a free browser-based recorder (Vocaroo), a free file converter (Zamzar) and a free podcast host (PodOmatic). The goal here is for you to produce a legitimate podcast with as few "moving parts" as possible.

Be sure to plug in your microphone or headset before you get started.

Here are the steps, followed by both printable and video help resources: || **Step One**: Record a basic audio file (WAV format) using Vocaroo. (**Note**: Windows users can also use the "Sound Recorder" to record their initial audio files - it will be saved as a .wav file also).
 * **Step Two**: Convert your .wav audio file to MP3 format using Zamzar. ||
 * **Step Three**: Upoad your MP3 file to PodOmatic to create a podcast. (**Note**: Do not create your own PodOmatic account. We will use a shared course account to host all of our podcast episodes. ||
 * **Step Three**: Upoad your MP3 file to PodOmatic to create a podcast. (**Note**: Do not create your own PodOmatic account. We will use a shared course account to host all of our podcast episodes. ||

Printable Quick Reference Guides: ** Vocaroo/Zamzar   and   PodOmatic. **  ** Help Video **
 *   Zamzar Help Video

** Learning Task **

**Task: Create a Podcast** ||