Podcasts

=**Podcasts**=

**What is a podcast?** A podcast is like a radio show. However, instead of being broadcast live, a podcast is recorded and then distributed over the internet, so that you can listen to it whenever you please. There are thousands of podcasts available, ranging from general interest entertainment shows to those which focus on specific topics (e.g. computers / music / education). Most podcasts are made by people who are very passionate about their subject. Consequently, many people subscribe to podcasts which interest them.

**How do I listen?** You can usually listen to podcasts directly on the websites of those people who make them. However, you can also "subscribe" to podcasts using software like iPodder and iTunes. These programs will automatically download the latest shows, and you can then listen to them on your computer and / or mp3 player. To subscribe to a podcast, you need to know the RSS feed (which is updated each time a new media file is published). iTunes has its own directory, where you can subscribe to a show, simply by clicking the "Subscribe" button.

**How do I make a podcast?** A podcast can range from a single recorded story, to a weekly radio show with music and interviews which visitors can subscribe to using an RSS feed. How you make up your podcast is up to you. For those with a Mac, we will be using Garage Band, for those using Windows, you can download [|Audacity] for free.


 * Note: You need to reference all your sources. Everytime you use information, music, sound effects etc from the web, you must reference where you found it. One of the easiest ways is to use an online reference generator like this**

What is a podcast? What makes a good podcast? What kind of information is usually included in a podcast? Who creates podcasts? Find some examples of podcasts which you think are good.
 * Part 1 - Research **

What information will you include in your podcasts? Who is your target audience? Background music? Voice overs? Sound effects? (where will you get these from?). **All music / effects used should be free from copyright - your teacher will explain more.** What information do you need to include? How long should each podcast last? **Guideline: between 2-5 mins for each podcast** What topic will your podcasts be about? Where can you access this information from?
 * Part 2 - Design (see attached worksheet) **
 * || [[file:podcast_design_1.docx]][[file:podcast_design.pdf]] ||

Using Garage Band (Mac) Audacity, you will create three podcasts. You will spend approximately 4 weeks recording and editing your podcasts during lesson time.
 * Part 3 - Creating your podcasts **

Create a survey with a minimum of 10 questions. You will use a google survey to create the questionnaire and you should include a range of question types (see image below). This will be shared with 3 of your peers who will give you feedback on your podcast. Your teacher will put you into a group for this. Help on framing questions
 * Part 4 - Survey **

Firstly, read through the feedback you received from your peers (part 4). Analyse the information you received, and use that, as well as your own personal reflections, to help you complete your self-evaluation. Your self-evalution should focus on:
 * Part 5 - Evaluation **
 * //- feedback from your peers//**
 * //- identify any strengths & weaknesses//**
 * //- what you found easy/challenging//**
 * //- areas for future development//** (either specific to podcasts and / or something relating to general project work, eg time management)

The structure below is a **guide only** and you should be honest and expand on any information where you feel it is necessary.

//"The responses I got from my peers indicated that ........................................... The things I found easy / challening were ...................................................// //I think that my strengths ........................ and my weaknesses are ............................................................................................// //Overall, I am happy / not happy with my podcasts because .......................................................................... If I were to do this unit again, I would .................."//


 * Rubric - How will I be assessed?**
 * [[file:podcasts_rubric.xlsx]] || [[file:podcasts_rubric.pdf]] ||