Feeling adventurous? Podcasting for grownups

(This is for grownups, since the kids have already figured it out…)

I have been asked, “How can I create my own podcast?” (A podcast is a sound recording that is stored as an mp3 file, like files on an iPod. Here at SBS, we already have students listening to pre-created podcasts in the form of English vocabulary words, and in the form of foreign language recordings.)

There are two simple ways to create a podcast. One requires a telephone (even a cell phone). The other requires an inexpensive microphone attached to your computer.

Using a phone

 Go to www.drop.io.

Name where your “drop” will be stored (this will be the internet address). Change it to something meaningful. If this name is already used, you’ll be told so you can choose another.

Ignore choice #2, Upload media, unless you already have an audio file created that you want to use. You’re going right to #3. The default will be for this to last for a year. Click on “View only” so that Others can view, not change your podcast (this is YOUR podcast, not theirs).

Click on the red Drop it.

Now, you’re asked to set a password. Use one you usually use so that you can remember it.

Click on Continue, with Password.

Once you’ve clicked on the green Continue with Password, you’ll get a screen that gives a few choices.

Click on Phone. You’ll be given a lot of information, including where to leave a voicemail (your podcast). Dial the number given for Voicemail from any phone and record when told to do so. When you’re finished, hang up.

Now, click on the URL (internet address) for your “dropio” or podcast, the one you set up at the beginning. This shows over on the right of the screen.

You will get a screen that says Audio. Click on the red Voice_Message and your podcast will play. It is an MP3 file, so people can download the file, instead of just listening to it on the computer.

Your “Dropio” will stay here for one year, but you can renew to keep it there longer.

Want somebody to listen to your podcast? Just give them the URL/ the internet address. You can put it anywhere you can put a link –such as on your Edline page under “Links,” or in a Word document. Imagine the possibilities.

It seems that you can only put one podcast at each unique URL/internet address. But this is free and pretty easy, so give it a try.

What can go on a podcast? Verbal directions for an assignment, an audio presentation/lecture, a silly song that helps students remember important facts, something you want your students to practice saying after they hear you say it….

Using a microphone:

Create a Wildvoice account. This is free. They are hoping you will purchase their software, but don’t download anything – you don’t have to. You only have to do this once.

 Go to www.wildvoice.com. Click on “Join free.” They are selling their software, but you don’t have to download anything.

Create an account there. You will have to give them your email and name, as well as create a userid and password.

Record your podcast (you’ll need a microphone – some computers have one built in, but Staples sells inexpensive microphones)

Login to www.wildvoice.com. Once you login, simply click on Record or Write (at the very top of the screen).

You’ll get to a new screen that says“Edit a post.

Create a name for your podcast.

You can add description and tags (keywords that can be searched).

Click on Record.

You’ll have to wait a few seconds, then you’ll see the directions to record. Make sure your microphone is plugged into your computer. Then press the red button (record). When you’ve finished, click the black square (stop).

Press the triangle to play what you just recorded (play). If you don’t like it, press the red button and record again.

When you’re happy with it, proceed.

Click on Save Recording. It’s saved on your computer (also somewhere on the Wildvoice website, but I wasn’t able to find the recordings I made).

You can find the recording on your computer under My Documents, then My WildVoice, then ShoutRecordings. Right click on the file name (a bunch of numbers) and give it a name that’s meaningful to you.

Post your podcast to Edline

In the class you want to add the podcast to, click on Contents, and then Add a Document. Make the Document Title the name that you want to show on your Edline class page. Import an existing file and browse to find the podcast file (remember, it’s under My Documents, then under My WildVoice, then under ShoutRecordings). Click on the file, then on Import. Remember, you can add this to more than one of your classes.

Don’t forget to Save.

It’s always a good idea to test to make sure your posting worked, so go to the class page, and click on the file to play it.

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