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Contents 1 Introduction 1.1 Podcast Defined 1.2 Podcasts In the Media Center 1.3 Podcasts: A Collaborative Tool 1.4 Technology and Media Literacy 2 Podcasting Examples: From Theory to Practice 2.1 Example 1: Booktalks Quick and Simple 2.2 Example 2: Tech on the Fly 2.3 Example 3: Mabry Middle School's Podcast Central 2.4 Example 4: WKSN Daily News 3 A Closer Look: Podcasting at DASH 4 Podcasting: Easy Does It! 4.1 Table: Follow These Steps to Podcasting 4.2 The House of the Scorpion: Sample Podcast 4.2.1 The House of the Scorpion: Resources Used 4.3 Be Kool: Sample Student-Created Podcast 4.3.1 A Student-Created Podcast: Resources Used 5 Conclusion 6 Notes 7 Images Used 8 References 9 Resources

[edit] Introduction

[edit] Podcast Defined

         A search for the term podcast in Dictionary.com reveals that podcast can be used as a verb or a noun. Whether used as a verb or a noun, a podcast entails a "Web-based audio broadcast via an RSS feed, accessed by subscription over the Internet." The subscription can be as simple as creating a username and a password.

         For those who are new to podcasting it is important to clarify that a podcast must have an RSS feed. ^[1] An audio file posted on line with no RSS feed does not qualify as a podcast (Kretz 2007). The RSS feed is what allows the podcast to be delivered to the user/subscriber. It is also important to note that a podcast is a series of episodes (audio files) that are produced with a certain level of frequency.

[edit] Podcasts In the Media Center

         For school library media specialists podcasts offer a unique opportunity to meet students' information needs by delivering content in a format that students are accustomed to using. 7 Things You Should Know About Podcasting points out that "Podcasting allows students to use their technology-based entertainment systems (iPods, MP3 players) for educational experiences. Because students are already familiar with the underlying technology, podcasting broadens educational options in a nonthreatening and easily accessible manner."

         Another reason for using podcasts is that they support the nomadic nature of those "born with the chip," a term coined by Stephen Abram and Judy Luther (2004) in their article, Born with the Chip. According to Abram and Luther, this significantly large population of those born between 1982 and 2002 "...expect information and entertainment to be available to them whenever they need it and wherever they are..." Although Abram and Luther limit their definition to those born between 1982 and 2002, it is not hard to imagine that those born after 2002 will also show a preference for information that is available whenever and wherever they choose to access it.

         The value of podcasting for the school library media specialists lies in the potential benefit that using the technology can bring to students. In the school library media center podcasts can be used to meet a variety of student needs. For example, podcasts can be used to deliver booktalks, instruct students on research skills, highlight library events/exhibits, and offer a library orientation. The possibilities are endless and each school library media specialist should first consider population needs to determine an appropriate goal for the podcast.

[edit] Podcasts: A Collaborative Tool

         The school library media specialist should not limit podcasting to something which only he/she has exclusive production rights. An often overlooked educational benefit of podcasting is that students can participate in the production process as partners with each other, partners with the media specialist, or as sole producers. According to Kretz (2007), "The technical and monetary investment in starting a podcast is quite low. Using existing computers, open source programs, and low-cost recording equipment, a library can have the technical details of a podcast taken care of in a day" (p.45). In addition, because students are familiar with tools such as itunes, and mp3 players it will be easy for them to learn how to use simple editing software that can be used to create a podcast.

         In "Podcasting in the school library, part 2: creating powerful Podcasts with your students" Lamb and Johnson (2007) describe different podcast projects that can be created by students. Some of the examples include book reviews and booktalks, news programs, skits, interviews, and virtual tours. Lamb and Johnson go on to explain the steps involved in planning and producing the podcast.

[edit] Technology and Media Literacy

         Finally, another benefit of and reason for using podcasting is that allowing the students to participate in the production process addresses state technology standards. For example, in the state of Florida involving students in podcasting helps to address Florida's Information and Media Literacy Sunshine State Standards. Some of the standards addressed include the following:

• LA.1112.6.3.2 The student will ethically use mass media and digital technology in assignments and presentations, citing sources according to standardized citation styles.

• LA.1112.6.3.3 The student will demonstrate the ability to select print and nonprint media appropriate for the purpose, occasion, and audience to develop into a formal presentation.

• LA.1112.6.4.1 The student will select and use appropriate available technologies (e.g., computer, digital camera) to enhance communication and achieve a purpose (e.g., video, presentations).

• LA.1112.6.4.2 The student will routinely use digital tools for publication, communication and productivity.

         These standards are for grades 11-12. There are similar standards for grades K-10. Florida Language Arts Standards

         Podcasting not only addresses the academic needs of students, it also enhances their self-esteem and interpersonal skills. The library media center has traditionally been the place in the school where new technologies and ideas are introduced to the school. Media specialists should embrace podcasting and continue this great tradition.

[edit] Podcasting Examples: From Theory to Practice

         In this section we offer four examples of podcasting. We briefly discuss each example and include links to the institutions/individuals and to the respective podcasts. Although this report focuses on school library media centers, in this section we include quality examples regardless of setting. Including these examples will provide the reader with a repertoire of examples that can be accessed and analyzed at appropriate points in the planning and production processes of podcasting. It is our hope that readers will borrow the best practices or aspects of each example.

[edit] Example 1: Booktalks Quick and Simple

         Booktalks Quick and Simple is a site created and maintained by New Hampshire school librarian Nancy Kean. Once on the site, scroll all the way to the bottom of the table and you will find Daily Podcasts (in author order) as of July 13, 2007. In this page Nancy Keane provides instructions on how to subscribe to the podcast. What is notable about this site is how prolific it is; there is a considerable amount of podcast booktalks covering books for grades K-12. A possible criticism of these podcasts is that Kean has chosen a very simple format. She does not add sound effects and/or music to any of the podcasts.

Here is a link to a booktalk podcast by Kean:

Roll of Thunder, Hear My Cry

[edit] Example 2: Tech on the Fly

       Tech on the Fly is a podcast created by soon to be eighteen year old Alexander J. Killby. The podcast had its 53rd episode March of 2007. It is a technology-based news podcast and features Alex talking about popular technology topics and weekly segments. Alex offers his insights and opinions on the various topics. What is noteworthy about this podcast is that it is very professional in its use of sound effects, and music throughout the show.

Here is a link to the 53rd episode of Tech on the Fly:

Episode 53

[edit] Example 3: Mabry Middle School's Podcast Central

       From 2001 until 2007 Dr. Tim Tyson was the principal at Mabry Middle School. Dr. Tyson made technology a priority at Mabry. Podcast Central became the primary way for showcasing events, accomplishments, and any other school related news worthy event. This is an excellent example of how a podcast can be used to serve an entire institution and its constituents. From recognizing outstanding students, showcasing special events, and even offering drug safety expert advice, the podcast is a way of communicating with the entire population of a school. In addition, all the episodes are professionally prepared with intro music, background music, and clear delivery.

Here is a link to an episode discussing the dangers of energy drinks:

Dr. Tyson Talks with Jeff Dess

[edit] Example 4: WKSN Daily News

       WKSN Daily News is "...a student produced daily news program featuring events and activities taking place at school and in the community." Kate Sullivan is an elementary school in Tallahassee, Florida. The news program is overseen by Media Specialist Pat Dietrich. An additional component of the show is a weekly podcast of a WKSN broadcast. This example helps to illustrate that podcasting can be successfully used at the elementary level.

Here is a link to the school's website:

Kate Sullivan Elementary School

Once you are on the school's website click the second link on the left "WKSN Podcast-Student news show!" and it will take you right to the podcast.

[edit] A Closer Look: Podcasting at DASH

         In this section we discuss in detail the podcasting experience for one school, its media specialist, and its students. Design and Architecture Senior High is a cutting-edge school in the infusion of technology into the curriculum. It was just rated one of the top 10 magnet schools in the country by US News and World Report. The school houses a Web Design Academy, and a Visual Communications Academy. The media specialist at DASH, Ms. Maureen Cooling, encourages her students to create exciting podcasts. She believes that podcasting is a great tool that helps students develop their planning and presentation skills.

         Although it is not being produced on a regular basis yet, the DASH podcast is a great example of how teachers and students are learning together about the technology and process involved in podcasting. They are also sharing the responsibility of producing the podcast. The podcast at DASH is relatively new. It began over the summer break this year. During the summer Ms. Cooling also taught a handful of teachers how to podcast. She has taught 2-day, 3-day and 5-day training for teachers on the use of Concept Mapping, Comic Life and image editing as well as podcasting. She found the technology and the process the most challenging part of creating the podcast. At DASH all the podcasts are created on Macs. The software used includes GarageBand primarily, with Inspiration for planning, iPhoto, and Photoshop Elements for image editing, and iWeb for web publishing of the podcast. They use ComicLife to create promotional flyers.

         The primary goal of the podcast was to encourage students to read. The goal was to have students create podcasts that were the equivalents of book reviews. Now, however, the goal has shifted to the development of the process of creating the podcast. The students are now focusing on the process of writing and creating an effective podcast.

         Ms. Cooling received assistance from Joshua Johnson, WLRN/Miami Herald podcasting reporter. She also used resources such as Atomic Learning tutorials to learn about the technology involved in podcasting. The podcast at DASH is a work in progress and Ms. Cooling hopes to become well versed in the process and the technology of podcasting. She hopes her students and fellow teachers share in her excitement in using podcasting in the media center. Stay tuned!

[edit] Podcasting: Easy Does It!

         This section is divided into two subsections. In the first section we offer a table outlining the steps needed in order to create your first podcast. In the second section we offer two examples of podcasts created following the steps outlined in the table.

• The first example is of a fictional podcast created by a teacher.
• The second example is a student created podcast.

[edit] Table: Follow These Steps to Podcasting

         The steps in this table are adapted from Make Your First Podcast. The article is from Podcasting News. Please review the article for details concerning each step. For example, for step 1 which includes creating your audio content, the article discusses free audio recording and editing software that can be used such as Audacity for Windows and GarageBand for Macs.

Podcasting: Easy Steps
Step #1	Plan and record your audio content
Step #2	Convert the file to MP3 format
Step #3	Publish your MP3
Step #4	Create your podcast newsfeed
Step #5	Publish your podcast newsfeed

[edit] The House of the Scorpion: Sample Podcast

Maria's Media Component

         This fictional podcast was created following the steps outlined in the previous table. The last two steps involving the RSS feed are omitted since this podcast will not be published other than here.

         The purpose of this podcast is to enhance this report by demonstrating that by following the steps outlined in the previous table a simple podcast can be created in a short amount of time. The approximate time used to create this podcast was about half an hour. This time does not include the time needed to write the content for the podcast, in this case a booktalk. It also does not include the time needed to learn how to use the software in order to use it in the most effective manner.

         The idea for this fictional podcast centers on a media specialist using podcasting to highlight quality award-winning books. Ideally, each episode would include a booktalk on an award-winning book and would use sounds and music to entice listeners. The aim of the podcast is to awaken student interest in the books.

         In this fictional episode Nancy Farmer's The House of the Scorpion is highlighted. Published in 2002, this young adult book has received many honors including: Newbery Honor, National Book Award, Michael L. Printz Award, and Sequoyah Young Adult Award.

The House of the Scorpion

[edit] The House of the Scorpion: Resources Used

• ccMixter "This is a community music site featuring remixes licensed under Creative Commons^[2], where you can listen to, sample, mash-up, or interact with music in whatever way you want." This site was used to find the background music for the podcast.
• The background music is by ccMixter user deaddragoncarcass, it is called "DDC Industrial Sample Pack" and it is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution Non-Commercial License.
• The podcast was creating using Audacity.

[edit] Be Kool: Sample Student-Created Podcast

Teresa's Media Component

         This podcast was created by a student at The Young Women's Academy for Academic and Civic Development at J.R.E. Lee Opportunity School. All students at J.R.E. Lee are at-risk students that have behavioral and academic deficiencies. The purpose of this podcast is to enhance this report by demonstrating how students can create a podcast by following the steps in the table. This podcast will be a series of instructional episodes focusing on the skills necessary for using the library media center. This first episode will be on the Dewey Decimal System and how to find your way around the media center. Future episodes could include how to conduct research and how to use search engines effectively.

          The student that created this podcast is an eighth grader at J.R.E. Lee. She is extremely shy and rarely speaks up in class. It was quite a challenge to get her to create this first podcast. However, she seemed to become more comfortable with the process as time went on. She found the Audacity software very challenging at first. The podcast took about 1 hour to create. Although she does not feel comfortable listening to her own voice on the podcast, she would like to create more podcasts and improve her communication skills. It was evident that she became more self-confident as she created her podcast.

Be Kool Student Podcast

[edit] A Student-Created Podcast: Resources Used

• ccMixter This site was used to find the background music for the podcast.
• The background music is by ccMixter user J.Lang, it is called Be Cool-Club Mix. The music is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 3.0 Unported.
• The podcast was creating using Audacity.

[edit] Conclusion

         Podcasting provides a new way to get students excited about learning. The software and equipment necessary is not expensive and is relatively easy to use. Students are naturally drawn to this new ‘cool’ technology and media specialists and teachers should take advantage of this.

         Once you’ve decided that you want to create a podcast, you need to determine what the podcast will be about. In Podcasting 101, Fontichiaro (2007) gives several suggestions for podcasts including:

• Creating a class CD that includes students creative writing stories. This would be great to do in collaboration with the language arts department.
• Creating a school newscast. This would involve students in a collaborative, fun process, while providing practice in verbal and writing skills.
• Creating a podcast to help students with special needs. This is an excellent example of using technology to differentiate instruction for students.
• Creating a foreign language practice podcast. Students in a foreign language class can create podcasts of vocabulary words and listen to them for reinforcement.

         Podcasting is relatively simple to do and has many different uses. All students can benefit from the introduction of podcasts into the school’s curriculum. It will enhance their verbal and writing skills and will greatly improve their self-confidence.

[edit] Notes

1. ↑ RSS feeds make it possible to publish frequently updated online content. Please see the Wikipedia article on RSS feed for more information.
2. ↑ Creative Commons licenses are used by creators to license their work for public use while retaining certain rights.

[edit] Images Used

• Picture of iPod from flickr by bolgefl CC Attribution 2.0
• Picture of library from stock.xchng user padrino.
• Picture of girl listening to mp3 player from stock.xchng user chidsey.
• Picture of student taken by Teresa P.

[edit] References

• Abram, S. & Luther, J 2004, "Born with the Chip", Library Journal, 8. Available from: <http://www.libraryjournal.com/article/CA411572.html> [23 November 2007].
• Dictionary.com, n.d., Webster's New Millennium™ Dictionary of English, Preview Edition (v 0.9.7), Lexico Publishing Group, LLC. Available from: <http://dictionary.reference.com/browse/podcast> [26 November 2007].
• EDUCAUSE Learning Initiative, "7 things you should know about Podcasting." June 2005. Available from: <http://connect.educause.edu/library/abstract/7ThingsYouShouldKnow/39380> [24 November 2007].
• Fontichiaro, K 2007, "Podcasting 101", School Library Media Activities Monthly Available from: <http://schoollibrarymedia.com/articles/Fontichiaro2007v23n7.html> [March 2007].
• Kretz, C 2007, "Podcasting in Libraries" in Library 2.0 and Beyond: Innovative technologies and tomorrow's user N. Courtney, Libraries Unlimited, Connecticut, p. 34.
• Lamb, A. & Johnson, L 2007, "Podcasting in the school library, part 2: creating powerful Podcasts with your students", Teacher Librarian, 34, 4, pp. 61-64. Available from: Library Literature and Information Science Full Text [25 November 2007].

[edit] Resources

• The Education Podcast Network "The Education Podcast Network is an effort to bring together into one place, the wide range of podcast programming that may be helpful to teachers looking for content to teach with and about, and to explore issues of teaching and learning in the 21st century." At the site you will find a definition for podcasting, how to subscribe to a podcast program, and how to suggest a podcast to add to the list. The podcasts are organized into easy to use categories.

• Podcasting Tools "This site is a comprehensive podcasting resource detailing everything you need to know about Podcasting." You will find the information is organized into manageable ascending categories beginning with: What Is Podcasting, How to Podcast, Podcasting Software, etc.

• Podcasting News This is a comprehensive source including links to podcast directories, articles on podcasting, and a podcasting forum. The site offers a newsfeed visitors can subscribe to in order to stay abreast of the latest news.

• The Educational Mac This is an informational blog for educators who use Macs for podcasting. It is an excellent site for educators to share ideas and best practices.

• Yahoo Group Podcasting-Education "Information and discussion regarding podcasting as an educational tool in today's classroom. Teachers, educators and others share how you have used podcasting thus far, how you hope to use it soon, or any special projects that you envision using podcasting in a school setting. Exchange ideas, tech tips, lesson plans, or even your podcast."