Podcasting: What You Need to Know

Podcasting is a means of distribution or syndication of audio files online using RSS technology. (RSS stands for "Rich Site Summary" or "Really Simple Syndication"). Students can subscribe to regularly updated audio content from any online site that offers an RSS 2.0 feed. New audio files can be automatically downloaded to your computer. In order to download audio files, students must have a podcast aggregator, podcatcher, or podcast receiver. One example of a podcast aggregator is Juice. Most audio files are mp3s. No iPod is necessary. You will be able to listen on your computer, your smart phone or your digital media player.

Click on one of the icons below to watch a demonstration on how to download audio files that use RSS feeds.

Microsoft Windows Media Player     Note: You need Windows Media Player to view this file.
Quicktime Media Player     Note: You need Quicktime Media Player to view this file.

 

Podcasting Resources

Podcast Alley

This a directory or portal containing links to various podcasts in business, politics, sports, education.

iTunes

Apple offers a podcasting directory containing 20,000+ podcasts. You must download iTunesSetup.exe file to gain access to their Music Store (and podcasts). All podcasts are free, however, iTunes charges for it's music downloads.

National Public Radio

NPR's webpage contains a link to podcasts. They currently offer 293 podcast feeds.

Podzinger

A podcast search engine that provides a full-text index of audio content. It indexes the actual content of the audio files.

 

Subject-Specific Podcasting

Eat Feed

"The food podcast that takes you back in time, across the country, around the world, and back to your own table. Click the "show recipes" link for recipes featured on the show.

The Naked Scientists Radio Show Podcast: Stripping Down Science

Cambridge University's Dr. Chris Smith produces a weekly live radio show covering science, medicine and technology topics as well as interviews with famous scientists.

Coverville

"Coverville is a podcast, produced three times a week, that focuses on cover songs - a new rendition of a previously recorded song. The show is produced and hosted by Brian Ibbott, in his home in Arvada, Colorado. The show features a combination of music and information about the music, delivered in a very relaxed, informal style. On average, each show runs about 35 minutes and features six selections. Information about the performing artist, and source album is provided, along with information about the artist being covered."

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