Podcasts: why they’re a useful toolPodcasts (digital audio files created to be downloaded from the internet) can be an excellent pedagogical tool for various reasons. Student-produced podcasts can...

• illuminate trajectory, because this genre can reach an audience outside of the classroom;

• take full advantage of many students’ technological acumen;

• allow students to collaborate to compose an effective audio file;

• encourage rigorous research of audio genres and the complex composing processes that shape these genres.

It’s surprising how little equipment you need to record and make a podcast available online! You’ll need [1] a computer with the capability of storing large files, [2] audio recording software (like Audacity or GarageBand), and [3] your computer’s built-in microphone or an inexpensive USB microphone. (See images below.)

If you or your students want to create more professional-sounding podcasts, you can use the audio equipment that’s available for check-out in STV 133!

What equipment do I need?

USING PODCASTS IN THE WRITING CLASSROOM

HANDOUT CREATED BY AMY HICKS

http://www.practiceofthepractice.com/pop005/; http://www.mesclasonora.com/podcast-25/; http://www.nohighscores.com/2012/08/27/jumping-the-shark-podcast-140/; http://www.jbc.org/site/podcast/

Tips and Tricks for Recording Podcasts

• • •There are many tutorials available online, but here are some things I think are important to remember when recording your first podcast:

•Choose a space to record that is a no-traffic area.

•Test your equipment before you plan to record your podcast session.

•Create notes (or even a script!) for yourself, and practice what you want to say beforehand.

•If you are recording with another person, practice together before the recording session.

•If you find yourself stumbling over words, pause, and then repeat your statement.

•Try not to touch the equipment because it interferes with the sound quality of the recording.

•Be aware of any voice “ticks” you might have. (Again, you can cut the “UMs” and “AHs” from your final file.)

•Record your podcast all in one shot!

PODCAST RESOURCESThere are tons of podcast tutorials and resources available online, and there are many scholarly articles about using podcasts in educational settings, including the writing classroom. Do some basic keyword searches on your favorite online search engine, or check out Jennifer L. Bowie’s Kairos article, “Podcasting in a Writing Classroom? Considering the Possibilities” for links to

various podcast-related resources.

The tutorial I found most helpful is available online (http://www.virginworlds.com/podcast.php?show=1&ep=70). This how-to might seem too advanced for the level of professionalism you or your students want to achieve, but the tips the host provides encourage further consideration

about some of the aural and oral conventions of the podcast.

CLICK-DRAG-DELETE!

The editing features on free recording software is

as easy as click-drag-delete!

The editing features on recording software allow

you to cut any sounds that detract from your podcast.

http://ww

w.jbc.org/site/podcast/