What is a podcast?
A podcast is an audio or video broadcast that is distributed over the Internet. You don’t have to have an iPod or a MP3 player to listen to podcasts. You can listen to them right on your PC! Note: In the activity for this Thing (below) you will just be listening to a podcast on your PC.
For a quick explanation of Podcasting, watch “Podcasting in Plain English” from CommonCraft here. (Note: this links to Sharepoint and is only accessible in the library.)
When you come across a podcast on the web you can usually listen to it or view it, simply by clicking "play" or "listen". But there’s more! Podcasts use RSS (from Thing #2), so you can also subscribe to them. You subscribe using a feed reader designed specifically for podcasts, called a podcatcher.
Why is it called a "podcast"?
The word "podcast" comes from the combination of iPod + broadcast. iPods were the first portable devices that had scripts that allowed podcasts to be automatically transferred to the device. You can find more details about the derivation of the term on Wikipedia, here.
If it’s a podcast, don't I need an iPod?
No, remember that although you can listen to podcasts using an iPod or an MP3 player, using a computer with speakers or headphones works just as well!
What about iTunes?
iTunes, from Apple, is commonly associated with podcasts. It’s a great, free tool for finding, subscribing, and listening to podcasts, but it is software you must download and install on your PC. Then you can set up an iTunes account to manage your podcasts, music, videos and more. But iTunes isn’t the only “podcatcher”. Click here for a list of others, including some that do not require software downloads.
Will I have to download anything for this Thing?
No. In the activity for this Thing you will just be listening to a podcast on your PC. No special software, no downloads, no iPods or MP3 players needed.
How do I find podcasts?
There are some easy ways to find podcasts:
• Use a podcast directory, like:
• Google a subject, including the word podcast as a search term
• Check out your favorite web sites to see if they have podcasts available
Like YouTube, there’s something for everyone and you may find stuff Not Worth Hearing or Watching.
How Libraries are Using Podcasts
Libraries use podcasts to share storytimes, booktalks, book discussions, author readings, oral histories, or other library events. They even prepare podcasts about upcoming library events.
Here are just a few examples:
- Stories for kids from the Denver Public Library and the IPL Goldstein Children's Collection Podcasts from Florida State University
- Teen Podcasts from the Seattle Public Library and Boulder Public Library
- Educational lectures from Western Kentucky University
Thing #13 Activity
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Listen to one (or more) podcasts that you find on:
New York Times Podcasts: Choose a podcast that interest you and click on the arrow to hear the latest episode.
or
Podcast.com: Choose a podcast that interest you and click play:
Optional Additional Resources:
For more information about podcasts on iTunes, check out these resources: Tips for Podcast Fans, and FAQs: For Podcast Fans.
For libraries, our own Marlena Harold recommends: Teens Podcasting @ Your Library: A Getting Started Guide.
Optional Activities:
1. If you have already use iTunes, or another podcatcher, to listen to podcasts, blog about it: What do you use? Which podcasts do you subscribe to? Do you put the podcasts on a portable device like an iPod? Label/tag the blog post “Thing 13”.
AND/OR
2. Consider creating your own podcast. For more information on making podcasts, see iTunes’ Making a Podcast, view Podcasting 101 or other how-to posts from Podcasting News, or try a site like PodBean. If you do, put a link to it in your blog. Label/tag the blog post “Thing 13”.
UPDATES: The Social Media Examiner just added a quick tutorial "5 Steps to Starting Your Own Podcasting Show". The Slids and transcripts from David Lee King's "Is this mic on? The basics of Podcasting" presentation can be found here.
Podcast icon from Toddle Email Newsletter Templates
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