Welcome to Thing 17!
What is a podcast?
A podcast is a pre-recorded audio or video broadcast that has been published on the web which can be subscribed to and downloaded via RSS. Podcasts can take the form of interviews, discussions, comedy routines or one-person commentaries. Some come from tradition media outlets like the CBC; others made by private individuals. Some are successful, others are not. As everyone is making them these days they cover all genres and subject areas. If you have a long commute, regularly go to the gym or want something to listen to in your free time then you might want to think about downloading some podcasts.
The Common Craft Show's Plain English video clearly explains in 3 short minutes what podcasting is all about and shows the value of podcasting as a learning tool:
What is a podcast?
A podcast is a pre-recorded audio or video broadcast that has been published on the web which can be subscribed to and downloaded via RSS. Podcasts can take the form of interviews, discussions, comedy routines or one-person commentaries. Some come from tradition media outlets like the CBC; others made by private individuals. Some are successful, others are not. As everyone is making them these days they cover all genres and subject areas. If you have a long commute, regularly go to the gym or want something to listen to in your free time then you might want to think about downloading some podcasts.
The Common Craft Show's Plain English video clearly explains in 3 short minutes what podcasting is all about and shows the value of podcasting as a learning tool:
How do I listen to a podcast? By downloading them to your iPod or MP3 player, or by listening to/viewing them directly on your PC.
First you need podcatcher software. There are many from which to choose; it depends what device and what platform you wish to use, for example, Google has software specifically for the Android. Here is another list of podcatchers Probably the most well-known one is iTunes. If you already use Apple's iTunes software go to the Podcasts section of the iTunes Music Store.
For example, you could load LAC's Virtual Gramophone. In iTunes, go to the iTunes store. Click on Podcasts: Audio and then in the Search box (top right) enter your search terms ( Library and Archives; or Virtual Gramophone, etc.). Once you have found the selection that you wish, click on "Subscribe free." Your choice will appear in your iTunes library menu under Podcasts. Find others that interest you and download them to your mP3 player :)
Library of Congress has several series of Podcasts; the Scottish Poetry Library; TED talks; or whatever you wish!
How do I find Podcasts?
There are many, many podcast directories and finding tools out there. Here are three that you can look through:
There are many, many podcast directories and finding tools out there. Here are three that you can look through:
- podfeed.net
- Podcastalley.com
- Google Podcast Directory
- Need more ideas? try US-based Podcasting news to see what's new, popular, weird.
Alternatively you might want to use a service like Odeo which allows you to play podcasts from their web pages without downloading.
I love Podcasts. They are a great way to learn on the go. I'll have to check some of those podcast directories to see what is new!
ReplyDeleteI can get all kinds of stuff to fill my empty days with........
ReplyDeleteI like listening to some of the podcasts off of the BBC.
ReplyDeleteI like to listen to podcasts from the CBC, http://www.cbc.ca/podcasting/.
ReplyDelete