Podcasting is a process of publishing / broadcasting on the Web that uses RSS (real simple syndication) to deliver multi-media content. The RSS feed simply allows users to subscribe to the podcast so that when a new episode of the podcast is published, it is automatically updated. This is similar to the magazine subscription process. Instead of mailing back the subscription card and receiving a printed magazine each month in your mailbox, you click the subscribe button on the podcast that you wish to receive. They are typically free and you can unsubscribe at any time.

Podcasts are collected and organized by using an aggregator (podcatcher or newsreader). The most popular aggregator is iTunes. iTunes simply allows you to search, view and subscribe to podcasts that are of interest. iTunes also automatically downloads new episodes when they become available.

iTunes is a free application from Apple that can run on a Mac or a Windows computer.

http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/

Podcasts, once subscribed to and downloaded, can be loaded onto an iPod or any compatible MP3 player. This truly expands learning opportunities to be mobile 24/7 learning for today’s students.

Podcast sites generally allow you to browse by genre or category, making it easy to find what you are looking for.

Example Podcast Sites:

• iTunes store - go to iTunes

• Podcast Directory

• Podcast Pickle

• Podcast Alley

Podcasting Tools:

• Audacity is a free software program for recording and editing sounds. It is available for Mac OS X and Microsoft Windows operating systems.  Audacity’s simple to use interface takes us back to the days of the tape recorder with only six buttons to worry about (skip to start, play, record, pause, stop and skip to end)! Create .wav or .mp3 files in seconds! 

• Profcast - Easily turn any PowerPoint or Keynote presentation into a podcast by importing it into Profcast and recording your lecture slide by slide.  Cost:  $29.95 educational pricing (Retail:  $59.95)

  Mac users only – Windows version is scheduled to be released soon!

• Garageband - Cost:  $79 individual license ($99 family pack)  Mac users only.

  Garageband is part of Apple’s iLife suite of applications.  At publication, Garageband is by far the best podcasting tool (if you have the software or can afford it).  Garageband not only allows you to create your own music, it allows you to create podcasts.  Features include recording both male and female voices, adding jingles and sound effects as well as creating chapter indexes.  GarageBand allows you to add videos and photos directly from your own iPhoto and iMovie libraries.  iLife’s integrated suite of applications work seamlessly together to make things very simple for the user.  Users can export to iTunes, iWeb or directly to a disk.

• Podomatic
  Create, Find, Share Podcasts! Get your free podcast hosting, free podcast creation, podcasting tips, and free podcast tools.

• Gcast
  Create your own audio broadcast, where you can easily record voice messages, mix in your favorite music, and share it all for the world to hear.

• Gabcast
• Record using your phone or VoIP
• host conference calls
  
• Create podcasts
• post audio to your blogs
• create audio greetings

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• Free podcast templates
• Help and documentation
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