Recording and Podcasting University Events

University departments and groups are increasingly interested in recording their events as video and or audio, for presentation on Wesleyan's website for those who were unable to attend.

What is podcasting
Podcasting is the distribution of audio or video files over the Internet to personal computers and iPods or other personal media players. The term podcast may refer to either the content or the method of delivery. Podcasting is essentially about time-shifting -- recording and publishing content for people to experience when and where they want.

Some key features

• The RSS protocol used to podcast is also used by blogs and other Web 2.0 applications.
• Podcasts can include audio, video and images.
• Because podcasts work on a subscription model, they are not appropriate for recording a one-time event.
• Apple's iTunes provides the easiest way to find and manage podcasts. Directory sites, such as Podcast Directory or Podcasting News are also helpful.
Podcasts have an associated web page, which includes a 'subscribe' link or an orange RSS icon on which you can click to subscribe or discover the address of the feed, which is a URL. Once you know this address, you can subscribe in iTunes by pasting it into the 'Advanced/Subscribe to podcast' menu.

Educational uses of podcasts
As educators and administrators experiment with podcasting, many new uses are emerging. Some of the more popular uses are:

• Reviewing classroom lectures
• Recording guest speakers or performers
• Enabling new types of student assignments, presentations and projects
• Creating guides for gallery or walking tours
• Bringing athletic events to parents and alumni

How to prepare a podcast
At this time, the easiest way to create and publish a podcast is to use Blackboard, which has a podcast plugin. Here are the steps:

• Record content using a good mic or video camera
• Edit audio with Audacity (free)
• Edit video with iMovie or Windows Movie Maker
• To create an enhanced podcast (which includes pictures or video) Mac users will want to use Garageband
• To create a podcast from a PowerPoint lecture, use Profcast to record and synchronize the your remarks and slides

Getting Help Recording and or Podcasting Your Event
Instructional Media Services (x4877) will record events and create a podcast for a fee. Faculty can consult their academic computing manager about obtaining software and hardware, using Blackboard or getting training for a CA/TA.

• In any content area you will see a drop-down menu on the upper right. Select 'Podcast Episode,' and click 'Go.'
• Enter a title, description and browse to find your podcast media file. You can also link to the podcast file if it is up on another server.
• You can add attachments, which will only display within Blackboard.
• Set availability options and submit.
• Go to the Control Panel and select Manage Podcast
• Fill in iTunes metada
• Elect to make it visible only within your Blackboard or on the web

What other schools are doing
A good way to see what other schools are doing is to search Del.icio.us using the term "podcastingacademicexamples".

Legal issues
It is important to be sure you have all the necessary rights and permissions for the material included in your podcast. The Creative Commons Podcasting Legal Guide reviews some of   the legal issues related to podcasting.