Podcasting is the creation of an internet radio story.  To get started you will need a microphone, a computer and the free software Audacity.  Use this page to help you create your first podcast.  Use the Podcast Q and A Page to ask questions and discuss the podcasting process.  Use the Finished Podcasts page to post the link to your finished podcast

Note:  To open the links in a new window-right click on them and choose 'open in new window'. 

First Task:     Download and install audacity

Available at http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ 

Audacity is a free multi track mixing program.

In order to turn your recording into a podcast you will need to convert it into an MP3 file.  You will need to download a converter--follow these directions to do so:

Windows

Go to the LAME download page.

Under "For Audacity on Windows", left-click on the link "libmp3lame-win-3.97.zip" and save the zip folder to anywhere on your computer.

When you have finished downloading the ZIP folder, unzip it and save the file lame_enc.dll that it contains to anywhere on your computer.

The first time you use the "Export as MP3" command, Audacity will ask you where lame_enc.dll is saved.

In case of difficulty, please view our more detailed instructions at the Audacity Wiki.

Mac OS 9 or X

Go to the LAME download page.

Download either libmp3lame or the version of LameLib for your operating system.

When you have finished downloading, use Stuffit Expander to extract the files. (This may happen automatically.)

Save the file called "LameLib" or libmp3lame.dylib anywhere on your computer.

The first time you use the "Export as MP3" command, Audacity will ask you where LameLib or libmp3lame.dylib is saved. 

Second Task:     Find out what is a podcast anyway!

see Shakespeare remixed via podcast at http://www.folger.edu/template.cfm?cid=2614

To view a blog that discusses podcasting in a High School English class go to http://podcourse.blogspot.com/

Third Task:          Create an MP3 file

This mini project will require you to put together a small piece of audio narration, a few sound effects and a small piece of a song.

1. Think of something that you could use for your classroom.  Perhaps you could create an audio do now, record a small poem and add sound effects to it or create an audio segment about a piece of current events.  Choose your topic and then look for sound effects and music that would work with your topic.
2. Browse sound effects and songs at http://www.freesound.org/whatIsFreesound.php.  In order to download sounds you will need to register--but don't worry--it is free to register.
3. Using audacity import your opening song.  Notice that a track with squiggly lines appear after you have imported.  This is a visual representation of your song.
4. Click on the selection tool (upper left hand corner, looks like an I).  If you place your cursor on a section of the sound file, hold down the left mouse button and drag the cursor you will select a section of your audio.  You can then cut, copy or paste the selected section into a new track, or new location.  This is very helpful if you want to cut out things like coughing or misspoken words.  You can also select a section and increase or lower the volume, change the pitch--and do many other effects which are found oddly enough in the drop down menu called effects.
5. Now import your sound effect.  Notice that a second track appears.
6. Choose the shift timeline tool which looks like a horizontal line with arrow heads pointing left and right.  Using this tool you can drag your sound clips on the timeline.  This is useful to synchronize a sound effect with a portion of a song or spoken narration.
7. Now, time to record your narration.  Get ready, hit the record button and speak into the microphone.  Hit end recording when finished.
8. Use the timeshift and selection tools to rearrange your sound effects, song and narration until you are happy with the composition.
9. Time to save your work.  Save your project then get ready to create an mp3 of your project.
10. Under the file menu select the 'export as mp2' option.  The software may ask you where the LAME file is.  Do not be offended, the lame file is a converter.  Follow the instructions on obtaining the converter from Task One and convert your file to an mp3.
11. Congratulations--you've completed your first MP3 file.  Now we need to get it ready for a podcast.

 Note:  When students (and teachers) use songs we can run into digital rights and copyright issues. For this project I have looked at sources available under the creative commons license.  For an exhaustive review of the legal ramifications of podcasting please see  http://wiki.creativecommons.org/Podcasting_Legal_Guide

Fourth Task:          Create  your Podcast!

1. To turn your mp3 into a podcast you will need a host--a website that will hold your mp3 and package it for podcasting.  I use Blip.tv http://www.blip.tv/ but there are other sites out their such as Podomatic at http://www.podomatic.com/.  Whichever one you choose--you will need to register with the website.
2. Login to the podhost that you have chosen--note, these instructions will be for Blip.tv
3. Click on Upload.
4. This will open a new screen--create a title for your podcast episode and add any descriptive key words that may help other people find your podcast.
5. You can upload a thumbnail picture that people will see when they search for or download your podcast.  Note the maximum picture size for Itunes is 600x600 pixels.
6. Under the line for your file--browse to your file and upload it.
7. Choose a license for your creative work--this is a good time to review the different creative commons license options available.
8. When done, hit upload.  Congratulations--your podcast is now on Blip.tv for the world to see!
9. Now the fun begins--you need to put your podcast out for more people to find.  Click on the distribution tab and list your blog website.  Blip.tv will automatically post the podcast episode to your blog.
10. Click on the Itunes tab and follow the directions to list your podcast with Itunes.
11. Email me the link to your podcast when you are completed.