Podcasting is a method of delivering audio (and video -- called vodcasting) content to iPods, other portable media players, and any computer on demand, so that it can be listened to or viewed at the users? convenience.

• The main benefit of podcasting is that listeners can sync content to their media player (which does not have to be an iPod) and take it with them to listen whenever they want to.
• Because podcasts are typically saved in MP3 format, they can also be listened to on nearly any computer.   
• Materials posted for downloading can be created by instructors or students. 
• Also, there are many web sites (like I-Tunes Store) that have "ready made" podcasts that can be downloaded. 
• SCC is implementing iTunes U, which will house most of our podcasts
• For more general information on Podcasting, go to:  http://www.podcastingnews.com/articles/What_is_Podcasting.html

Though podcasters' (authors of podcasts) web sites may also offer direct download or streaming of their content, (though Blackboard, for example) a podcast is distinguished from other digital media formats by its ability to be syndicated, subscribed to, and downloaded automatically when new content is added, using an aggregator such as RSS .

We will begin posting audio podcasts through iTunes U at the end of October, 2007.  All of these podcasts will be public ? open to anyone who wants to listen to them via the web.  After the new SIS system is launched, we will be able to post password-protected podcasts in specific courses.  We will also be offering vodcasting assistance and posting in the future.

1. Select a podcast topic.  Decide how achievement of your instructional objectives might be enhanced through use of a podcast.  Contact the CTLT staff (sidne.tate@sccmail.maricopa.edu or ron.schilling@sccmail.maricopa.edu ) to discuss your idea.  They will give you tips on how to make your podcast most effective.
2. Produce your audio files.  Contact the Media Center (terry.mcgowan@sccmail.maricopa.edu or john.fitzpatrick@sccmail.maricopa.edu) for assistance in recording or editing these files. 
3. Convert your files to a podcast. Contact the Media Center for assistance.
4. Post the podcast to iTunes U.  Contact the Media Center for assistance.

*Before you begin podcasting:

We highly recommend that you either attend the Podcasting LearnShops sponsored by MCLI each semester or go through the tutorials from those events listed below:

Podcasting Theory and Practice ? an informative session about the theory and practice of podcasting in education.  http://drcoop.pbwiki.com/PodcastingTheoryPractice  

Creating Audio for Podcasts ? an overview of various tools and a step-by-step demonstration of creating audio recordings with Audacity (scroll to the bottom of the page for the screencast) http://drcoop.pbwiki.com/CreatingAudio  

Podcasting Legal Issues ? an overview of copyright issues related to podcasting http://drcoop.pbwiki.com/PodcastingLegalIssues  

Other Resources (thanks to Dr. Alisa Cooper, SMCC):

A compilation of many examples of and resources for podcasting: 
http://drcoop.pbwiki.com/

Page maintained by Ron Schilling