Podcasting+-+Assignment+5.1


 * What is Podcasting? **


 * By Paige Kellar **



Podcasting is a free service that allows Internet users to pull audio files usually, MP3’s from a podcasting Web site. Then users can listen to these podcasts on their computers, IPods, and personal digital audio players. The term podcasting comes from a combination of the words IPod(made by Apple) and broadcasting. Podcasting allows for people to combine blogging with audio technology to create anything a person desires to create. This newer technology allows for an endless supply of information, ideas, and cultural syncretism.

In addition, there are three kinds of podcasts. Audio podcasts are usually in an MP3 file. These are the most common types of podcasts. The second type available is enhanced podcasts. These podcasts can have images to go along with the audio. They can also have chapter markers, which make it much easier to skip to different sections of any episode. Finally, the third type is Video podcasts. These podcasts are movies with sound. Another great aspect of podcasts is the wide variety of selection that can be found. There are often hundreds and thousands of different options to be found. Not to mention that iTunes categorizes their selection and even has “podcatching” software. Once again thanks to ITunes podcasts can be very easily discovered and they can also be subscribed to. There's no need manually check a website to see if there's new content. ITunes automatically does it for you once that button has been clicked!



I also found a really useful and simple explanation via video for Podcasting.in The YouTube video is Podcasting in Plain English:

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Also another very useful link for Podcasting is down below. This link takes you to the Apple instruction and explanation site: http://www.apple.com/itunes/podcasts/

In my opinion, I think that podcasting should definitely be apart of the classroom environment. Students should be given the opportunity to create their own podcast for an individualized project assignment. Learning how to use these tools is important for a student’s success with technology in the classroom. I also think that podcasts are very resourceful and informative tools. I think it would really give a new perspective in the classroom if students listed to a lesson via podcast or listen to a topic via podcast for a paper or project. Finally, I firmly believe that podcasting is for all ages! Last year my professor had every one of her students create an individualized podcast/presentation of a poem. This project allowed for individual expression and a technological learning experience. As a future teacher, I would hope to broaden my students' views with this technology like my professor broadened mine.