Planning and Producing Podcasts

Think of a podcast as a radio/TV show. However, instead of being broadcast live, a

podcast is recorded and then distributed over the internet, so that you can listen to it
whenever you please, on your PC, using your MP3 player (e.g iPod), or with just a web
browser.

Four basic steps in producing a podcast:

1. Plan (Pre-production)
2. Produce (Record)
3. Edit (Post production)
4. Publish/Promote

In general, the format of a podcast is:

1. Welcome Message
a. Greet your listener and identify the name and purpose of your podcast.
2. Theme Music
a. A short piece of music could help set the tone for your podcast.
3. Preview
a. Tell listeners what to expect from your podcast.
4. Features
a. The main content of the show.
5. Conclusion
a. The closing of your podcast. Outro music.

How to Plan Your Podcast

Before you get started with your podcast, you need to make a few decisions.

1. Listen to podcasts
a. What makes them great and not so good?
b. What are interesting topics and what will the world be interested in?

2. Determine your goal. What's the topic of your podcast?

a. News report
b. Poetry recital
c. Excursion report
d. Interview
e. What curriculum outcomes will be satisfied?

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 3. What's the format of your podcast?
a. Will the students be working individually or in groups?
b. What segments do you want to do (e.g. tip of the day, reviews, breaking
news, interviews etc.)?
c. Weekly? Monthly?
d. Will you just be talking or will you play music as well?

4. How long will each episode be?

a. Your podcast should be as long as it needs to be - make it long enough to
serve its purpose, but not so long that you will bore or lose your listener.
Usually between 3 minutes 5minutes at most.

5. How often are you going to release new shows?

Before recording, it's a good idea to:

write an outline
collect any information you plan on using
create a folder and put all the audio clips you need in the one place on your
computer

Preproduction

Students need to keep their audience in mind:

Who will listen to the podcast?
Is it everyone in the school?
Is it parents?
Is it students in another state or another grade level?

Determining who exactly the audience is should help focus the podcast.

The podcast will need a name. The more creative, the better!

In preproduction, you must also decide upon the format for the podcast:
Who will actually be heard in the recording?
Should you have a host? Multiple hosts? Multiple speakers?
What segments do you plan for the show?

Sample ideas and uses for a podcast:

Weekly classroom news broadcast

Document a field trip
Record a class discussion
Share book reviews
Conduct interviews
Review curricular content

When planning, consider the length of your podcast. This will be based on your content
and audience. Keep podcasts to between 3 - 5 minutes.

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If your podcast is involving an entire classroom of students, the teacher should find ways
to involve everyone in preproduction. Some teachers have everyone pair up in class.
The pairs all write segments. Then the pairs present the segments to the entire class. The
teacher and students then select which segments should be included in the podcast. This
way everyone is involved, the podcast gets the best segments, and the recording will be
an appropriate length.

It's really helpful for students to practice what they are going to say out loud to others.
Here is an example segment structure for a review show (movies, food, etc.):

1. Intro Theme Song

2. Welcome
3. Announcements
4. First Review
5. Second Review
6. Interview
7. Third Review
8. Final Comments
9. Outro Music

Tips about writing podcasts:

Writing narration for a podcast is really about writing words for the ear. Use short
sentences, but vary their length. Stick to one idea per sentence when possible. Make each
new idea flow logically out of the previous one. Make sure your audio flows.

Check everything you write by reading it aloud. A sentence might look just fine on
paper, but it could read awkwardly in the studio. Always check what you've written
by reading to yourself aloud or preferable to someone else.

Write conversationally as if you were speaking to the one individual listening to you.

Use contractions and an informal tone. Don't be afraid to use fragments or end your
sentences with a preposition.

Make sure that all text can be easily understood and read aloud. The best way to
test audio scripts is to read them out loud before attempting to record them.

Write everything the way someone would say it, not the way someone would read it.
Write out symbols and abbreviations so the voice over talent will know what was
meant to be read.

With numbers, write out one through nine. Use numerals for 10 through 999. Write
out words like thousand and million. Use the appropriate combination of names and
numerals for numbers like 22 million.

Write out names for symbols. When recording the audio, "dollars" is easier to read
than $.
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 If an acronym or an abbreviation appears in a script, make sure that the full name
appears first.

Audio scripts allow injection of personality into programs. Since the narrator is an
actual person, writers can use inclusive terms like "we" or "our", creating the illusion
that the narrator is viewing the program along with the user. This makes the
program much more alive and less dry. Such qualities always help to put the user at
ease. Using the method, the narrator can act as an actual guide.

Recording

If students have practiced what they are going to say, recording will be a much quicker
process.

It's best if students record short portions of audio at a time. Students then have less
chance of messing up what they intend to say. When the portions are played right after
another, the listener won't realise that some things were recorded separately.

Record the introduction last for a couple of reasons:

First, recording last allows you to introduce exactly what will be in the podcast
because it has already been recorded.
Second, students have had practice in front of the microphone and are more
comfortable. They'll record a much better introduction, and after all, the introduction
should hook the listeners!

Postproduction

After recording, it's time to edit the audio. You may not have recorded the audio in order,
so the first priority is to make sure all audio is arranged properly. Also, clips can be
trimmed to delete any unnecessary pauses or interruptions.

Music and sound effects can be added in postproduction. Audacity users cannot
compose music within the software. If you use music, be sure it is "podsafe." Podsafe
music is the term for music that can be legally used in a podcast and freely distributed
online for others to download.

Refer to the music site bookmarks attached. Remember to give the artist credit for the
music, if possible.

Once the recording is exactly as you want it, export the file as an MP3, making sure that
the Tag ID information is entered (this describes the podcast).

Publishing

There are several different ways of publishing your podcasts:

1. The simplest way is to simply link to an audio file (mp3) from a web page

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 2. For other users to access your podcasts the podcast needs to be published on the
internet.
Educational value of podcasts

Podcasts can be created from original material by students and teachers to enhance
engagement and promote the development of a variety of skills.

Creating a podcast:
allows students to share learning experiences
provides students with a world-wide audience
makes learning meaningful and assessment authentic
facilitates self-paced learning
allows students to create content using multi-modal visual literacy
offers a richer learning environment
offers advanced and or highly motivated learners extra content
can help students with reading and/or other disabilities
allows communication with your community
aids the development of literacy skills (writing scripts, setting up interviews etc)
allows children to develop and practise their speaking and listening skills
enables students to develop and extend ICT skills
provides the opportunity for the audience to send comments, giving valuable
feedback to students about their work
develops teamwork and collaboration skills as students work together to develop a
great show

Teachers can use the technology to provide additional and revision material to students to
download and review at a time that suits them. The flexibility that such time-shifting offers
makes podcasting a valuable educational tool.

How can podcasts be used in the classroom?

Podcasts can be used for a variety of purposes in the classroom:

Radio show around syllabus content e.g. the ANZACs

School/class news
Group radio plays using a pre-determined script
Topic show eg: all about ....
Record short class stories with students adding sound effects
Poetry readings with sound / music effects
Create a news report for the school
Recording class songs, jingles, jokes
Creating own songs and music
Book / film reviews
Conduct interviews
Create a radio show with personal music choices
For revision facts
To feature guest speakers from remote locations

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 Sharing podcasts with others

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How is podcasting related to the curriculum?

Script writing and development

Sequencing of a story line
Developing speaking skills
Working within a limited timeframe
Developing a range of ICT skills
Problem solving
Working collaboratively in groups
Decision making
Research skills

Curriculum Applications

Podcasting is an excellent tool to develop oral reading fluency and writing skills as
students have to research, plan, and write the scripts in advance and complete multiple
audio takes before they are satisfied that the quality is good enough for broadcasting.
(Carr, Try Podcasting' to Broaden Your PR Reach, eSchool News Online)

What makes podcasting a valid activity?

o Promotes good writing, speaking, and communicating
o Good form of assessment
o Multi-sensory
o Another media to communicate with
o Students are using language
o Authentic activity going beyond the walls of the classroom
o Good motivator
o Application of technology

Curriculum Applications of Podcasts - Objectives:

o To develop reading fluency
o To develop reading, speaking, writing, and listening skills
o To acquire information
o To integrate technology
o To develop technology skills and applications
o To learn interact ways to communicate knowledge to real audiences
o To develop positive academic self-concept
o To develop sense of audience and purpose when reading, writing, and speaking
o To develop a student ownership of language
o To encourage active participation and learner-centred focus
o To develop multicultural awareness

Students can:
o Listen to audio stories.
o Write poems, paragraphs, and short stories.

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 o Listen to a book talk or book report.
o Create songs, radio drama, or play scripts.
o Interview another student about a topic.
o Interview an expert.
o Create commercials.
o Create broadcasts about local history or culture.
o Create an oral history about a relative and a certain time period.
o Create a conversation, etc. in a foreign language that is being studied.
o Listen to directions for a science experiment or any other classroom assignment.
o Create round table discussions about curriculum topics.
o Create an audio tour of the zoo, a landmark, etc.
o Create a digital field trip report.
o Create study guides for tests, units, etc.
o Reflect on learning.
o Create a sound seeing orientation tour for new students or incoming grades.
o Record literature circle discussions.
o Broadcast concerts.
o Create historical re-enactments.
o Record the school newspaper articles.
o Create an oral presentation.
o Create a music video.
o Create notes for a class or topic.
o Create a recording telling what they have learned.
o Create Podcast Poetry Cafes.
o Listen to podcasts to gain knowledge about topics, cultures, etc.

Teachers can:

o Create directions for an assignment.

o Create study guides or test review information.
o Create lectures/notes lesson plans for review or for absent students.
o Inform parents about what students are learning and how they are learning.
o Use podcasts as forms of assessment.
o Create announcements for parents about special events, assignments, etc.
o Create directions for substitute teachers

Copyright and permissions

Music used in podcasts must be copyright free. Use the internet to source free music and
sound effects.

The SmartCopying website http://www.smartcopying.edu.au/scw/go contains detailed

information and information sheets on all issues relating to copyright.

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Important note: When creating podcasts and/or vodcasts to publish, make sure that you
have parental permission to record/film students.

How to Podcast effectively and efficiently to the world

Suggested Years
Levels
KLA and ENGLISH - speaking and listening.
strands
Always keep in mind what is the educational focus of your podcast. Is it the technical IT
elements of producing a podcast, that is, using the preferred program effectively and
efficiently or the literacy based elements to engage interest and excitement in writing for a
worldwide audience?

This lesson plan is focusing on the literacy elements of producing a podcast within a
classroom.
Outcomes QLD Outcomes : Level 4: Speaking and Listening

CU4.1
Chooses subject matter that takes into account that listeners are unknown

OP 4.1
Uses pace, volume, pronunciation to convey meaning.

CR 4.1
Appeals to a certain group by selecting particular subject matter and related resources.

Purpose
To develop skills in script writing, group work and a public speaking role with a podcast episode.

Hardware and Hardware Software

Software
PC or Mac computer with a microphone Audacity (PC)
attachment. Garage Band (Mac)

You also need to keep in mind how you wish to store / publish
your podcast episodes. There are many free web based
programs to support your podcast episodes.

Teacher
Preparation 1. Familiarise yourself with good and not so effective podcasts. Make a collection of
these podcasts on CD or a compatible compliance for use within the classroom.

2. Understand what a good podcast sounds like, looks like and how a good podcast
should be spoken for a worldwide audience. Define the generic structure of a podcast
i.e.: intro, body, and outro.

3. Have student worksheets prepared (Y chart and student script)

4. Understand your podcasting program and how to upload or store on the worldwide
web.

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 5. Have a clearly define topic/idea for a podcast series in mind before starting.

Sequenced Teacher:
learning 1. Have a selection of podcast episodes ready to listen to. Those that are great and
activities
those not so effective so that students can compare.

2. Discuss with students what a good podcast should look like, sound like and how it
should be spoken for an audience. Discuss the elements of a podcast i.e.. Intro, body
and outro.

3. Have students complete a Y chart. (see also supporting resources section)

4. Have students research, note take and plan their scripts for a podcast episode.

5. Let students play on the preferred software program in order for them to develop their
public speaking skills and to engage their interest in their work / task.

6. Use the script worksheet to develop a full episode within a group. (see also
supporting resources section)

7. Publish podcast on the web in desired format.

Student:
1. Complete a Y chart on what makes a podcast great.

2. Conduct the necessary research and note taking for your topic in your group.

3. Have the members of your group defined into the following elements by using your
script worksheet.
a) Intro who is introducing your podcast,
b) Body a paragraph of concise information for each team
member, and
c) An outro your ending and goodbye.

4. Practice and time your script with your group. Use a stopwatch and record your time.
Check if your information is concise. Remember your pacing and expression is
important. Your script must be effective for a worldwide audience.

5. Play on our podcast program to see how it works. Practice your script and decide on
your pacing and expression.

6. Record and publish your podcast script via the preferred program.

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Necessary
Skills A clear understanding of how to use your preferred podcasting program

An understanding in how to upload / store your podcast on the web.

An understanding of what makes a good podcast.

Alternative
and Alternative :
Have the students record their script minus the music and jingle element. However
Extension
activities make sure that you allow the students to play with this element to engage their
interest. As the teacher you can add this at a later stage to speed the process of
production up within your classroom.
As the teacher, record the intro and outro to show the students how to develop an
episode effectively or to set the tone of your episodes.
Record your podcasts in segments to assist the students in developing a flow within
an episode.

Extension :

As the teacher you must decide what outcomes you are requiring to be developed
within your classroom. I.e.:

IT component therefore let the students produce the own podcast totally using the
preferred program OR

Literacy component do you wish to focus on the research, note taking, script and public
speaking development? The teacher then completes the final cut of the episode so that
the students can focus on the literacy-based elements. Students would not be in charge
of the musical or placement elements, but would have a say into what they would like to
hear.

Create a series of podcasts to explore the levels of development in student

knowledge and the transformation of this knowledge. I.e.:

a) have an episode on basic knowledge of a topic as studied in

class; (see Aussie Kids History of Flight)

b) researching a topic in more details than studied in class or (see Aussie Kids 3 Men of
Gallipoli)

c) have students explore their own thoughts and opinions about the topic . (see Aussie Kids

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 Why We Remember)

Links to
support Personal website creations:
materials
The following WebPages may assist in the development of an effective podcast in your classroom. Why not
check out the following:

Podcast site : http://aussiekids.podbean.com/ (produced by N Gilmour)

Webpage used with in the classroom : http://startwithit.googlepages.com/home (produced by N Gilmour)

Other supporting links :

Education Queensland Switched on Teachers : https://www.learningplace.com.au/deliver/content.asp?

pid=30857

UK link for various educational podcast : http://recap.ltd.uk/podcasting/index.php

Educational Podcast Network : http://epnweb.org/index.php?view_mode=what

The Power to Learn: US based website with useful articles :

http://www.powertolearn.com/articles/teaching_with_technology/podcast.shtml

This site is a comprehensive podcasting resource detailing everything you need to know about Podcasting:
http://www.podcasting-tools.com/

Comments
A podcast is a great way to culminate a unit of work or study. Keep this in mind when planning a
podcast.

Have student rehearse a public speaking project e.g.: an ANZAC Ceremony, before the planned
performance to assist in the overall presentation.

Always keep in mind what is the focus of your podcast. The technical elements of producing a podcast,
that is using the preferred program or the literacy based elements to engage interest and excitement in
writing for a worldwide audience.

Assessment
Assessment of research and note taking skills via normal generic structure as directed by your
schools curriculum / unit.

Use of criteria sheet for final podcast episode. (see supporting resources section)

Have students record their thoughts about what they enjoy and have learnt through podcasting. You
will be surprised.

Supporting
Resources Attached are 2 worksheets and a criteria sheet that would be useful in successfully implementing a
podcast into a classroom.

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 Y Chart (word doc.)

Script worksheet (word doc.)

Criteria Sheet (excel spreadsheet)

The worksheets and criteria sheets are also available at http://aussiekids.podbean.com

A Podcast. What should it LOOK like, SOUND like and

how should it be SPOKEN for an audience?

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 Enhanced Podcasts (Vodcasts)

What is a vodcast?

Video podcast also referred to as vidcast or vodcast is just

another form of podcast. Instead of recording just audio, video
or still digital images are used with audio to produce a video
podcast.

Vodcasts are simply video content you can access any time you
want, from anywhere you like; using the Internet. You can use
different devices to watch your video, provided that the device has access to the Internet.

Such devices include a PC, notebook, TV or mobile device such as an iPOD or cell phone.
You can download an entire vodcast to listen to later or listen as if you are listening live, to
its video stream.

The name VODcasting is a combination of VOD (Video On Demand) and (web/ broad/
narrow) casting.

Vodcasting is the term for video available on demand using RSS subscription services on
the Internet. Vodcasts are stored on servers and you can download them whenever you
want.

Video podcast equipment

Microphone (although video cameras Camera (video

usually have a built-in microphone, for camera or digital still
better results use an external
Computer camera)
microphone)
Headphones

Software required

1. Video editing software is needed if editing video footage::

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 o Movie Maker 2 (Windows XP)
o iMovie (Mac)
o Final Cut Pro

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 2. Digital still images can be used to create a video presentation. Software available
includes:
o Microsoft Photo Story 3 for Windows XP
o MemoriesOnTV for Windows
o iMovie on Mac

3. Audio recording/editing software such as:

o Audacity (PC, Mac)
o GarageBand (Mac)

Note: If the video is to be downloaded to an iPod, QuickTime Pro or other free software is
needed to convert the file into an MPEG4 (MP4) format.

Creating and Publishing a Vodcast

How do you create a vodcast?

1. Create your video for the podcast.

2. Save the video in an appropriate format, in AVI, MPEG, QuickTime (mov), Real or
Windows Media Video (WMV) format.
3. Set up a Podbean.com account (or use an existing account)
4. Upload the video file
5. Create a new post and insert the video.
6. Publish the post
7. Publish the site

Publishing a vodcast

One of the easiest methods to publish vodcasts is to create a blog account with
Podbean.com. This site creates all the RSS code the vodcast needs to be accessed by
other users. You simply upload the video to the blog and then publish the subscription feed
link (URL) for your blog.

Why use Podcasts & Vodcasts in Education?

o Meet the needs of more students with varying learning styles and aptitudes.
o Caters for students with auditory and kinaesthetic learning styles
o Support for students with low literacy skills, reading or other learning difficulties
o Supplement existing material and resources with a portable and remotely
accessible source of information.
o By capitalising on the popularity of MP3 players such as iPods and up-and-
coming MP3 phones, podcasting can provide an easy and accessible entry into
e-learning and m-Learning (mobile learning).

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 o Flexible curriculum pathways to encourage student participation and facilitate
success.
o Can provide extra material for motivated learners and be used to facilitate self-
paced learning
o Audio benefits vision impaired students and non-native speakers.
o Can be used in distance education
o Ability to replay and review information helps to embed lessons in memory.
o Links with syllabus outcomes and ICT outcomes

Dont forget that only copyright free music can be used in vodcasts. Use the music sites
provided to download free music.

The SmartCopying website at http://www.smartcopying.edu.au contains detailed

information and information sheets on all aspects of copyright.

Creating Podcasts Page 17