Podcasting 101

Thank you so much for attending my workshop. As promised, here are resources for you to use. Feel free to make copies and adjust for your own classes. Drop me a line if you have any further questions. All the best, Shannon stong@saanichschools.ca

Quiet kids often have a lot to say, if given the right opportunity. I am always astonished to hear the expressiveness and opinions of students who otherwise appear to by shy, quiet, or even disengaged. When students are given the chance to compose their thoughts, record (and re-record if necessary), the results are often surprising in the best ways!

Podcasting can be incorporated into any English course, not just New Media. It is a way for students to express their learning and understanding.

Example Assignments:

• Storytelling - students write a creative piece record an audio version.
• 2 Minute Podcast - students research a topic and share the key points in an engaging way
• Extension Activities - based on class readings
• Book Talks/Reviews
• Round Table Discussions

Device to Record Voices: any of the following will work

• cell phone with voice memo app (Apple) or voice recorder app (Android)
• USB microphone to plug into a computer (I like Snowball microphones - they are very sturdy for use with students and reasonably priced.)
• headphones/earbuds with a microphone (not the best sound quality)
• built in microphone in a computer/laptop/Chromebook (not the best sound quality)
• cell phone mics (convenient for interviews but hard to keep track of when lending out).

Program to Edit and Produce Podcasts: some popular options

• Soundtrap.com (basic level is free, internet-based)
• Audacity (free open-source, program needs to be downloaded)
• Adobe Audition ($$ but some schools have an Adobe license)
• Anchor (free and app based)
• Garage Band (Apple)

Other:

• headphones/earbuds (My school's Learning Commons has a box of headphones that can be borrowed. If yours does not, consider asking your Teacher Librarian to apply to your PAC for a class set. Gaming Grants can support equipment that benefits the entire school).
• computer or tablet