5B-create-podcast

Publish a "Bare Bones" Podcast using
=Sound Recorder, Zamzar, Audacity=

Introduction
A podcast consists of an **audio file** (in mp3 format) **published to the web** and an **RSS feed** (an XML file) that allows listeners to **subscribe** to your podcast using an RSS reader or podcatcher.
 * [[image:http://farm3.static.flickr.com/2228/2311617314_9ef54dc7d9_m.jpg caption="photo by David Clow" link="http://http//www.flickr.com/photos/davidclow/2311617314/"]] ||
 * photo by David Clow ||

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, rehearsing and creating meaningful assessments**. Just as blogging begins with reading, **podcasting should begin with listening**.

That being said, who can expect teachers to invest in all that planning and effort if they don't feel confident that they can actually produce the podcast?

So, let's make a podcast...

Discovery Exercise
 Create a brief **1-2 minute** podcast using **BooMp3 and Zamzar.**

This "Thing" asks you to just "dip your toe" into podcasting by using a free **sound recorder (Windows Sound Recorder)** and a **free file converter** ([|Zamzar]). The goal is for you to produce a legitimate podcast with as few "moving parts" as possible.

**¤ NOTE:** If you want to record and produce "real" podcasts, you will use audio recording/editing software such as Audacity, plus a podcast hosting solution of your choice. This is just meant to be a practice experience.

=What should my podcast be about?= You can make your podcast about **anything you want** (as long as it is school appropriate). You can tell a joke, share a story or recipe, provide a summary of a current event, present a book review, explain a concept, ask some questions...
 * ‡ HELP Tip: **Be sure to plug in your microphone or headset before you get started.

Here are the steps, followed by both printable and video help resources: > There, you can easily record and save a WAV file, then follow the directions for Zamzar (Steps 2 below). > Next, follow the directions for Zamzar (Steps 2 below). || (**NOTE:** If your school blocks YouTube, you can also use Zamzar to convert and download YouTube videos for use in the classroom. [|Here's how].) ||
 * < **Step 1:** Record a basic audio file (WAV format) using Sound Recorder in windows.
 * 1) If you are on a Windows machine, go to: **Start >** **(All) Programs > Accessories > Entertainment > Sound Recorder**.
 * 1) Anyone can go to [|Vocaroo] to record a WAV file, then select "Download this message" to save it to your computer.
 * < **Step 2:** Convert your audio file to MP3 format using [|Zamzar].
 * < **Step 3** - Upload your MP3 file to your webpage or moodle ||


 * ‡ HELP Videos: **
 * [|Zamzar Help Video]

** Complete the Class Moodle Journal project for this session.
 * Task