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BoilerCastHow Purdue Provides Lecture Review Audio to Students Using Podcasting and Streaming
Agenda• Introduction• The Desire for Digital Storage of Classroom Audio • The Pursuit of a Digital Storage System • Podcasting Happens • Podcasting as a Valuable Educational Application • How Podcasting Works
– XML Technology – RSS Technology
• New Podcasting Service Conceived – The Approach – The Implementation – Operation of the Service – The Public Interface – Results
• Other Options for Institutions Considering Podcasting
What is this stuff anyway?
Digital Audio?
Podcasting?
MP3?
Purdue University?
What is BoilerCast?
The Desire for Digital Storage of Classroom Audio
• Purdue was cassette recording courses for 35 years
• About 2500 cassettes per semester
• Reuse cassettes by bulk erasing
• Students required to travel to library to check out media
The Desire for Digital Storage of Classroom Audio
• Idea came in 2001
• Convert audio recording to Digital
• Create a simple and accessible system– Web access– Common audio format– Easy administration
The Pursuit of a Digital Storage System (Round 1)
• Design a system to capture and store classroom audio digitally– Development began in 2002– No COTS systems available– Custom system to be designed– Based on Real Networks SDK 8.5
• Close to completion in 2004• Students programmers graduated before completion• Project placed on hiatus temporarily in late 2004
Podcasting Happens
Podcasting• Podcasting is a method of publishing audio
programs via the Internet, allowing users to subscribe to a feed of new files (usually MP3s). It became popular in late 2004, largely due to automatic downloading of audio onto portable players or personal computers.
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia.
Podcasting Happens
• Podcasting is the current “Killer App” (or latest fad?)
• College students use iPods or other digital media players
• College students are about three times more likely than anyone else to own an MP3 player. *
• More than 21 million iPods have been sold, according to Apple.
* Source: February study by the Pew Internet and American Life Project.
Podcasting Happens
Something big was happening here!• Students are, in fact, using iPods
regularly (or other digital media players)
• Podcasting appears to be the new trend in delivering on-demand media
• Our original design did not conceive of podcasting (it didn’t exist)
• A change of course was in order to meet the students’ expectations
Podcasting as a Valuable Educational Application
• Duke Digital Initiative Spotlighted the Technology– The 2004-2005 Duke iPod First-Year pilot gave
an iPod to all incoming freshmen– In 2005-2006, only students enrolled in
courses using the iPod as part of the DDI will receive an iPod
– Students will get to keep their iPods after the course is over
– http://www.duke.edu/ddi/
• itunes.stanford.edu
How Podcasting Works
The “podcast feed” URL – address of a specially encoded
page– on the podcaster’s web server – contains information about the
podcast– if viewed in a web browser, you
will see the raw XML code used
How Podcasting Works
• you copy the URL into a “podcatching” client software
• there are many different podcatching applications available
• many applications for many platforms– Windows– Mac– Linux– Etc.
But you’re not meant to look at this “raw” data
Subscribing to a Podcast
Users can also click
and drag an RSS link
from a Web Page
Directly to iTunes to subscribe.
Podcatching Clients: iTunes
Podcatching Clients: jPodder
Podcatching
• Podcasting audience uses Podcatching client software
• Software obtains audio automatically and stores to local computer
• Software can then load audio to iPod (or other digital audio device) when it is plugged into PC
• Process can be Automatic or Manual
InternetiPod
Podcatching Client Software
Podcast Audience
How Does This All Happen?
The Technology of Podcasting
XML Technology• XML stands for EXtensible Markup Language • XML is a markup language much like HTML • XML was designed to describe data • XML tags are not predefined. You must define your own tags • XML is a W3C Recommendation • An XML file is merely a text file that follows a universally agreed
upon formatting standard
XML Sample
RSS Technology
• RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication (Maybe)
• RSS allows you to syndicate your site content • RSS is a selected list of defined items on a site • RSS defines an easy
way to share and view headlines and content
• RSS files can be automatically updated
• RSS allows personalized views for different sites
• RSS is written in XML
RSS Sample
RSS Technology
Why Use RSS?• RSS was designed to show selected data.• RSS Readers are designed to regularly check the
RSS file for new data• Without RSS, users will have to check a web site
daily to check for new updates. – This may be too time-consuming for many users. – With an RSS feed they can check your site faster using
an RSS aggregator • Since RSS data is small and fast-loading, it can
easily be used with services like cell phones or PDA's.
RSS Example: Simple Podcast
RSS Example: The RSS Elements Show up in a Client
• RSS stands for Really Simple Syndication (Maybe)Here is
the “Channel”
These are the “Items”{
These are the “Descriptions”
RSS Podcast Creation Software
“What do I need to Podcast?”
1. MP3 Audio File• Created with MP3 Recorder• Created with Editing Software
2. RSS File• Created with RSS Podcast Software• Created Manually (if you are bored)
3. Web Server• Any Flavor• Need a Web Page to post the RSS link
4. Audience• Audience needs to know where to find the podcast• Audience needs to be interested in podcast
Putting It All Together
• Audio in MP3 format is stored on a web server• RSS feed file is created with information regarding how to
get to the MP3 file• Podcatching client looks as RSS feed regularly for updates
and downloads any new MP3 files• Podcatching client stores MP3 file on PC and can upload to
iPod• Listener enjoys regularly updated podcasts
Internet
Web ServerSpace
iPod
MP3 Audio File
RSS Formatted XML File Podcatching Client
Software
Podcast Audience
Public Network
When we last left the Purdue conversion to digital…
The Pursuit of a Digital Storage System (Round 2)
• Podcasting was the way to go but…– While work thus far could accommodate, the
paradigm was completely different– However implementation of changes would not meet
the Fall 2005 deployment target
• New approach taken– Put Previous work aside and started from scratch– New COTS recording hardware available– Implemented the “KISS” principle
New Podcasting Service Conceived
Short List of Criteria for a Purdue Podcast Service:
• Utilize existing recording infrastructure• Clean and easy user web interface• Not limited to iPods• Operation quick to learn for operational staff• Courses online within 30 minutes of class
completion
The Purdue Implementation
• Utilize telco infrastructure for record lines (dry audio lines a.k.a. “alarm circuits”)
• Tap into existing classroom sound systems
• Add ceiling mics and line drivers to rooms without sound systems
The Purdue Implementation
• Record lines conencted to central recording facility
• Utilize crosspoint router to choose specific classroom for recording
• Record course to digital record deck
• Over 60 Rooms in over 30 Buildings currently connected
• Capable of connecting to any campus venue including departmental classrooms
The Purdue Implementation
• Recording to analog and converting is a hassle
• Software recorders running on PCs are a hassle and not always reliable
• Purchased Marantz PMD-660 for another application– Compact flash recording– Record directly to MP3 format
• Found the Marantz PMD-570– Rack mount equipment– Record to compact flash– MP3 format recording– Operates like cassette recorder
“This device allowed us to deploy the BoilerCast
system more rapidly than any other option would
have allowed.”Michael Gay
The Purdue Implementation
• Using the Marantz PMD-570 allows us to capture the audio in the same manner as we were doing for cassette recording
• The digital recorders were half the price of professional cassette recorders we were using
• Recorders name the files using a track numbering system
• The operator needed a way to quickly…– Rename the files– Edit the ID3 tag with course info– Update the podcast RSS feed– Update the web page
Ten recorders were purchased to replace the cassette decks used in
the existing service.
The Purdue Implementation
• Operator would continue to record course audio to the new digital decks as was done with the cassette decks
• Software would be written to automate many of the operator’s tasks– Rename the files– Edit the ID3 tag with course info– Update the podcast RSS feed– Update the web page
BoilerCast Custom Software
• Files recorded on digital recording decks are transferred using the BoilerCast custom software
• BoilerCast software:– Renames the files– Edits the ID3 tag with
course info– Updates the podcast RSS feed– Updates the web page– Cleans the Flash Memory
• Course available within 10 minutes on most occasions
Operation of the Service
• Online Request form• Instructors request
the service• They receive
confirmation and a link to their course web page
Operation of the Service
The BoilerCast Main Screen• Create new course directories• Get the audio file from the flash card• Move the file to the BoilerCast server• Secure an online BoilerCast course
Operation of the Service
Adding a New Course
• Add course information
• Choose the data drive on the BoilerCast server
• Click GO!
Operation of the Service
Moving the Audio File
• Selects the course web page
• Previews the File• Clicks “Move File
and Update”• Everything
automates after that click.
Operation of the Service
Adding Security• Chooses the course web
page to secure• Enters desired username
and password for course• Clicks “Add Security”• Modifies an .htaccess file
in the web directory
BoilerCast Home Page Features
• Info about the service• Link to request form• List and RSS links for
available courses
Course Page Features• Course info• RSS Link Prominent• Discreet download and
streaming links for each day
Usage Statistics
• Service went live August 22nd, 2005
• 35 courses initially signed up
• 1080 downloads the first week of operation
• 70 courses currently served
• 39,777 downloads as of October 17th, 2005
Usage Statistics
BoilerCast Daily Downloads
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Semester Break
Top 10 Players Used
Rank Player
Percentage of Total
Sessions
1 iTunes 43.2%
2 Windows Media Player 28.1%
3 Mozilla 14.3%
4 Real Player 5.3%
5 Wget 2.9%
6 iPodder 1.9%
7 GetRight 1.4%
8 QuickTime Player 1.1%
9 WinAmp 0.2%
10 Doppler 0.3%
Other 1.3%
Top Players Used to Listen to BoilerCast Courses in Fall 2005
Real Player5.3%
Wget2.9%
iPodder1.9%
GetRight1.4%
QuickTime Player1.1%
WinAmp0.2%
Doppler0.3%
Other1.3%
iTunes43.2%
Windows Media Player
28.1%
Mozilla14.3%
Mid Term Results
• A mid-term survey was sent to faculty and staff using the service
• Some results were surprising
• Many comments useful for thinking about future additions to service
• ≈30% Faculty Response
• ≈1% Student Response
Results
• Preferred Player:– Windows Media Player – 53%– Podcast – 26.6%– Real One Player – 15.3%– Other MP3 Player – 5.1%
• This contradicts the access statistics
Results
• Own or Planning to Buy…Select all that apply
– iPod – 41.8%– non-iPod Player – 18.4%– Laptop Computer – 59.2%
Results
• Grade the Purdue BoilerCast Service:– A+ 13.3%– A 54%– B 23.5%– C 5%– D 0%– F 0%
– Undecided 4%
Results: What is the Greatest Benefit of the Service?
• Faculty– “Easy! I don't have to do it.”– “Clarity of voices and speed in making them
available.”– “I started recording lectures on my own before I
knew about Boilercast. It took a lot of time to then convert to mp3 and upload it to a server. Boilercast makes it easy.”
– “Ease of use and sign up.”– “I like the availability of the lectures for
students who were absent and/or want to go back and review material.”
– “Automatic, Great web page, multiple formats.”
Results: What is the Greatest Benefit of the Service?
• Students– “I like being able to review a lecture, if I didn't quite understand
it in class. I also like reviewing what I might have missed while I was taking down notes.”
– “English is my second language so it is very helpful for me.”– “When studying for a test it is nice to have a place to go for a
review of what was said in lecture”– “Being able to download it quickly on my iPod and go!”– “Availability in multiple media player format”– “It is nice to listen to clarify lecture material.”– “I love using BoilerCast so that I can listen to the lectures even
when I am on the bus going to and from school.”– “I can take it anywhere and listen to it whenever I want.”– “If you're sick and can't make it to class you can still get all the
notes word for word. Also the clarity was amazing.”
Results: Suggestions for Future Additions to the Service?
• Faculty– “Let faculty tag classes (if they want), Second would be
the option to create an enhanced podcast with the slides from the powerpoint.”
– “Expand to other classrooms.”– “Wireless mic. (And the ability to pause the recording for
a ten-minute break during my 2-hour lecture.)”– “I am always afraid that the BoilerCast system is not
picking up the lecture. There should be a fairly transparent method to verify recording during lecture.”
– “Boilercast ideally would be linked to WebCT so students could access it easily and it would be password protected”
Results: Suggestions for Future Additions to the Service?
• Students– “Improve audio quality. Lecture noise sometimes overpowers the
instructor's voice. Possibly record from a microphone that the instructor wears. Instructor should repeat student questions into microphone for clarity.”
– “Add more classes.”– “More classes signed up for it.”– “Have all classes offered.”– “If it is possible, also included the video of the lecture.”– “Maybe be able to add visual aids, like the ones presented in class.”– “Videos...it is good to watch the professor during there lectures,
especially when they are doing some sort of experiment on the table or something in front of the class.”
– “I wish there could be a video component to the audio.”– “Being able to pick up voice better, maybe video to see what is being
written on the board.”– “Eventually maybe a video camera set up to get both audio and visual
on the site”– “Video.”
Results: Open Final Comments
• Faculty– “Works great!”– “Super, super service. So cutting edge,
and yet so easy.”– “Extremely useful for late students, or
this year, hurricane victims who enrolled late and could easily catch up”
– “Outstanding service. very glad to have it.”
Results: Open Final Comments
• Students– “Great Idea! This service is useful for
me to use while going over my notes!”– “I found this very helpful!! I always use
it”– “I really like this service and hope to see
more classes available through it in the future.”
– “Its a good service.”
• Students want Video!
• How to get Video is a problem to overcome
• Video iPods now out
THE FUTURETHE FUTURE
ECET257: Example of One Course Currently Being Video
Streamed
Professor J. Michael Jacob – ECET 257 Fall 2005
Purdue College of Technology
Video iPod Introduced
Video iPods will drive the desirefor video even further
Some Product Suggestions for Institutions Considering
Podcasting• Broadcast Software International
– http://www.bsiusa.com/• Skimmer Plus• Automated MP3
capture software• Built in secure
web server• No podcast
yet• 8 channels
under $1,000
Some Product Suggestions for Institutions Considering
Podcasting• Audio TX
– http://www.audiotx.com/– Audio TX Pots– Send high quality
audio over telephone
– Use any PC and modem
– About $850
Some Product Suggestions for Institutions Considering
Podcasting• Barix
– http://www.barix.com– Instreamer & Extreamer
• Audio backhaul over IP Network
• Works on any LAN/WAN• Up to 320K audio• Minimal Setup• Set and Forget
Some Product Suggestions for Institutions Considering
Podcasting• Marantz
– http://www.d-mpro.com– PMD-570, PMD 660
• Record to Compact Flash• WAV or MP3
Suggested Web Resources(Author makes no endorsements or warranties information contained in the following web links)
Purdue SourcesBoilerCast Home Page: http://www.itap.purdue.edu/boilercastPurdue University: http://www.purdue.edu/Information Technology at Purdue: http://www.itap.purdue.edu/
Podcatching ClientsApple iTunes: http://www.apple.com/itunes/iPodder Client: http://www.ipodder.org/
Podcasting ToolsPodcast RSS Buddy: http://www.tolley.info/rssbuddy/Feed for All: http://www.feedforall.com/
Podcasting DirectoriesPodcast.net Directory: http://www.podcast.net/Podcast Alley Directory: http://www.podcastalley.com/
Podcasting TechnologyRSS/XML Tutorial: http://www.w3schools.com/rss/Podcasting 101: http://maczealots.com/articles/podcasting/Make RSS Feeds: http://make-rss-feeds.com/making-an-rss-feed.htm
Question and Answer
Time for your questions.
