PODCASTS
The dictionary definition of a podcast is- an episodic series of spoken word digital audio files that a user can download to a personal device for easy listening. Streaming applications and podcasting services provide a convenient, integrated way to manage a personal consumption queue across many podcast sources and playback devices. Although podcasts have been around for a while, they are still of high interest for users. This blog will review three different podcast web applications enjoy!
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Soundcloud
Soundcloud had a simple registration process for a free account. Once you are ready to create your podcast, you must record using a separate source such as voice memo on you smart phone. Once completed you download your voice recording onto the Soundcloud website and your recording will appear. The web application tracks statistics on your track, and notifies you of how many plays, likes, reposts, comments, or downloads your podcast has received. Soundcloud is quite simple to use, but for the purpose of this blog and the group podcast that we wanted to create, this blog did not allow us to directly record from the web application. There was also no way for us to edit, add transitions, or music to the background of our voice recording. We found that this podcast web application was not equipped enough for our needs.
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Audioboom
Audioboom was also simple to register for. However, I could not record or upload any audio files unless I paid for a subscription of $9.99 a month. Right off the bat, I tried to get around the payment, and snoop through the web application to see if it was worth the purchase. Some features that I hadn't seen anywhere else, were how users are able to connect their finished podcasts to social media outlets such as Facebook, Twitter, and Tumblr. If you have an already existing podcast you can import your episodes by adding the RSS feed URL. Audioboom also generates a detailed breakdowns of your top listened to podcast and episodes. However, knowing that there are free podcast applications out there my group decided to find and use a different site. This podcast web application was my least favorite out of the three listed in this blog.
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Podbean
Podbean was by far the easiest and most reliable podcast web application. When utilizing a free subscription, users are able to upload 10 hours of voice recordings. The home page is clean, user friendly, and visually appealing. The toolbar menu is straightforward, and has many options for your homepage layout. I loved using Podbean in the past, and for this group project all of the members of my group agreed that this would be the platform that we should use to develop our own podcast. It provides statistics of the number of downloads, followers, and likes your content receives. When creating a new episode it is as simple as clicking a button. You can upload your file directly onto the website. For this specific podcast, my group members each recorded our sections of the podcast separately, and meshed our files using Podbean. We were able to add background music, sound effects, echo, and tone. Podbean was by far the best option, since it had a free subscription, easy use, and plethora of editing options available.
For this podcast, we chose to share information on Margaret A. Edwards. She has made huge lasting impressions in the library scene and is well recognized for promoting young adult literature. The link below is our podcast! Please enjoy!
https://mblanco03.podbean.com/e/margaret-a-edwards/
https://mblanco03.podbean.com/e/margaret-a-edwards/
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Podcasts in the Library!
Podcasts can be used by both educators and students! There is a lot of research that shows lasting impact on student learning with the use of podcasts. Some students are auditorial learners and what better way to connect with them through a recorded or live podcast!
Some examples of uses for podcasts:
- Students or librarians can interview authors and record the conversation for others to listen to.
- Both students and librarians can record book reviews of newly added library materials
- The librarian can broadcast live library events to encourage student participation.
- Librarians can have students create a speech or conversation on what they learned in the library that day.
- Students can be authors and record their creative stories on a podcast.
Educational Podcasts to follow!
There are many educational podcasts out there, but I did my research and located a few that are relevant and up to date. Check them out below!
I have used Podbean before for different assignments in school, and I have really enjoyed the ease of uploading and sharing podcasts with my audience. I am familiar with SoundCloud mostly due to students and them sharing artists and musicians with one another, but I have never personally used it. The inability to edit and otherwise change a recording leaves me hesitant to use it personally or in my classroom, so I appreciate your review. Of the educational podcasts you listed, I have listened to The Cult of Pedagogy and found it really informative. Great post, and thank you for sharing.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of having students record the reading of their own stories. This is definitely something I will try with my students.
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