Podcasting

 media type="custom" key="111190" toc =Podcasting Overview=

It isn't necessary to own an iPod in order to make or listen to a podcast. It is true, however, that the term podcast is a combination of iPod and broadcasting. To put it plainly, a podcast is an audio recording that is made available for subscription online. Listeners can download podcasts and listen to them on any number of different devices including mp3 players and their personal computers. Check out the links at [|Podcasting News] for tools related to podcasting or see some of the specific links provided below.

Specific Ideas for using Tool in a k-12 Setting
Click here to add or view a lesson plan or idea for using this technology in the classroom.

**Relevant Online Tools**
These directories allow you to search for podcasts on a variety of different topics. It's important to remember that each directory includes podcasts that are educational as well as those that are not so educational so you would want to really check out any particular podcast before having students listen in. top
 * ===Podcast Creation/Publishing Tools===
 * [|Audacity] is an open source tool that works both on Mac and Windows.
 * [|GarageBand] is a Mac only tool that comes on all Apple computers.
 * [|Podomatic] allows you to create and upload podcasts. I have a small collection of podcasts on Podomatic that you can check out to see how this tool works.
 * ===Sound Effects & Music===
 * [|Freeplay Music] has a nice selection of music that might be used in an educational setting.
 * [|Royalty Free Music] has music that is royalty free meaning it isn't restricted by copyright law. However, some of the music is free, meaning it doesn't cost anything, and some is for purchase.
 * [|Partners in Rhyme] also has royalty free music that is both for purchase and some that is completely free to use.
 * [|PacDV] has free sound effects as well as free music.
 * [|Wikimedia Commons] does have some audio files that are categorized as being part of the public domain and are free to use. It is a little more time consuming to search through the files and the selection isn't always that great but it's free.
 * [|GarageBand.com] has a large collection of Podcast safe music. The basic rule is that if you can download it from the site it's okay to use in your podcasts or other digital projects. This site features a lot of independent bands and new artists and is a great place to look for songs for your projects.
 * [|ccMixter] has a great collection of remixes that are also licensed under Creative Commons. You can listen to different samples, download remix and upload your own samples and use what is available on the site for free and legally.
 * [|Jamendo] has a great collection of music from independent artists who have agreed to make their songs available free of copyright restrictions. You can use music downloaded from this site in its entirety without fear of breaking the law!
 * ===Sample Podcasts===
 * [|Radio WillowWeb] is a great example of how one elementary school in Omaha Nebraska is using podcasts to promote learning.
 * Woodstation Elementary Music podcast is an example of how one music program is putting their performances and songs online.
 * [|ESL POD] demonstrates how podcasts could be used to help students learn English (or any other language for that matter).
 * [|Albermarle High School] use podcasts in a variety of ways including recording board meetings and providing regular updates on happenings at the school.
 * There are a variety of educational podcasts available through iTunes U including:
 * Grammar girl
 * The Math Dude
 * Teaching with Smartboard
 * Coffee Break Spanish
 * The Isinglass Book award book talk podcasts demonstrate how podcasts can be used to discuss books and other types of literature.
 * The Podcasting in Education Wiki has several links to other podcasting examples as well.
 * ===Podcast Directories===
 * [|PodcastDir]
 * [|PodcastAlley]