podcasting

=**Podcasting**=

 A **podcast** is sort of like an **online radio show**, except the listeners get to decide **when and where** they want to listen.

The term "podcast" is a [|portmanteau] of the words //ipod// + //broadcast//. However, you DON"T NEED an iPod to listen to or create a podcast! Having an iPod (or similar portable device) simply makes listening to podcasts (and other media, such as music, audiobooks and videos) really convenient. (Of course, there are tons of ways to use [|iPods in education] ).

An audio file published to the web does **__not__** qualify as a podcast. A podcast consists of an audio file (typically MP3 format) **PLUS** an **RSS feed** (XML file). The RSS feed allows listeners to subscribe to the podcast and to automatically receive new episodes in a special type of RSS reader called a podcatcher. In addition to managing your podcast subscriptions and playing the media files, podcatchers can also help you transfer your podcasts to your media player. The most popular podcatcher is iTunes, a free program designed to work with iPods, but which also serves as a general media player and organizer, and searchable podcast directory.

Here's a link to a simple little video explaining podcasts.  **Link:** http://gruntmedia.com/podgrunt_001_view.html

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.

Producing a quality podcast is not so easy. When you are ready to [|begin podcasting with your students], you will find the real work lies in planning, writing, editing, developing quality content, and creating meaningful assessments. Just as blogging begins with reading, podcasting should begin with listening. (To get started podcasting in the classroom, try Audacity and other free tools ).