PortablePD.ca

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You will need:

• computer with internet access
• microphone hooked up to your computer
• audio editing software (we use Audacity and it is a free download)
• a blog (we got one for free at Edublogs.org)
• online storage space (Edublogs gives some storage space with their free blogs. Once your podcast grows you’ll want to explore other storage options. If you work in the Ottawa Carleton District School Board, NetCaster provides a means to store and share audio and video files online.)

Do your research.

Listen to as many podcasts as you can. Here’s a couple to get you started:

Portable Radio
Radio WillowWeb
HartBeat Radio
Studio 26

Record some audio

Hook up a microphone to your computer. We recommend you think cheap at this stage – use old computer mikes or buy them at dollar stores. Record some audio. Get some practice working with audio editing programs. Audacity is a free download and works very well.

Once you feel comfortable enough with the software get your students to do some recording. Think small. Two to five minutes is a great way to test the waters and figure out what works for you and your students.

Name your podcast

Give your podcast a memorable name. Sign up for a blog. We use free blogs offered at edublogs.org. The blog is a convenient way for people to find, listen to, and comment on your podcast.

Upload your sound file

Login into your blog and select “Write a Post”. Scroll down a little further to see a section that allows you to upload your audio MP3 file. After you have uploaded, click “send to editor.”

Write your shownotes

Now write a description (known as “shownotes”) of what happens in your first episode. Once you are happy with everything click “Publish”.

Spread the word

Congratulations! You now have an official podcast that can be accessed by anyone in the world with an Internet connection. Start advertising your podcast’s web address: send newsletters to parents, get a link to your podcast added to your school’s website, mention it in your emails – do whatever it takes to get the word out.

Tell Us!

We’d love to hear of any podcasts you put together. Leave us a comment or email us (Nathan.Toft@ocdsb.ca or Jane.Smith@ocdsb.ca) and we’ll let our growing Portable PD community know about it as well.

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