Podcasting, Video Podcasting & Screencasting
Overview
Podcasting, Video Podcasting, and Screencasting can be a great way to deliver lectures and course content tostudents. While traditional podcasts are just audio mp3 files, vodcasting and screencasting adds a visualcomponent. Many types of files can be delivered through this method such as audio, video, images, text, pdf, and others. Check out the presentation (PDF)!
Basic steps to create a pod/vod/screencast.
- Create a file.
- Create an .rss file - this is the podcast feed.
- Upload files to your web site/ blog server.
- Give the feed url to the intended audience.
- Get Syndicated! Add feed to a podcast directory(optional).
After these steps have been completed the audience will use an aggregator to subscribe, manage or unsubscribe to the feed.
Benefits
There are many benefits to pod/vod/screencasting.
- It yeilds great portability & convenience - anyone can listen/watch anytime, anywhere.
- You can multitask - You can listen/watch while working out, jogging, commuting, while waiting for something or someone...etc.
- Students can subscribe to content feeds allowing them to automatically receive up to date content.
- watch or listen as many times as you like
Guidelines/Tips
When creating a pod/vod/screencast you will want to maximize the benefits by following the folowing guidelines and tips.
- Keep your lecture segments relatively short, between 5 - 15 minutes.
- Only cover 1-2 topics per lecture segment.If one topic takes a long time to cover break it up into smaller sections.
- Record at full speed which means there will be no pauses, breaks, or discussions during the segments.
- Keep them simple.
- Try to use humor, jokes, or short stories to keep the presentation from being dry and boring.
- Use graphics to stress a point or to call attention to something.
- Introduce, demonstrate, and then review your topic.
- Speak clearly and in a slow to moderate speed.
- It doesn't have to be perfect, acknowledge any mistakes and move on.
- Clean up your recording. Take out long pauses, umms, and the like.
- Strive for a professional look and feel but keep it informal.
- Use colored pens, arrows, shapes, and pointers to stress certain areas of your visuals.
- Handwrite or draw using a Wacom drawing tablet can be a quick and personal touch.
- Record your practice runs because they may be good enough to keep.
- Write an outline. Have your presentation figured out out in advance to speed up the process and look professional.
- Practice as much as time allows.
- Use a good microphone to ensure clarity.
- Begin with an introduction sheet (made in PPT and saved as jpg) and add introduction music. Do the same thing for the closing sheet if you mention credits.
- Try to produce several formats to accomodate different media players.
Tools
There are many tools you can use to create a pod/vod/screencast. The tools you use will depend on the level and quality you require.
- Computer - Desktop, Laptop or Tablet PC
- Screen Capture Software
- Web Site or Blog (Web Log)
- Microphone
- Webcam
- Wacom Drawing Tablet
- File for Feed (.rss or .xml)
- News Aggregator
- Portable Device
- Media Player
Podcast Directories
Digital Podcast
Podcasting.net
Ipoddex.com
Penguin Radio
Feed-directory.com
Podcast411.com
SportsPodcasts.com
Podcastalley.com
PodcastPickle.com
