Give your class a voice

In the last few issues of Bits and Bytes, I have introduced you to the world of digital storytelling a podcasting. Now I would like highlight a two simple tools (Gabcast and Gcast )you can setup and use today- no real training required. Both of these tools allow you to create and post podcasts on the Internet with the simple use of a phone. Yes, only a phone is required to give your class a voice. While I have shared this in the past, it is so easy to implement and can have a powerful effect in the learning environment, I feel it is worthy of additional exploration.

INTRODUCTION TO PODCASTING

Podcasting? This is not some strange form of communication developed by the youth. And, contrary to popular belief, it has nothing to do with the iPOD. Podcasting is simply a way to package audio files and place them on the Internet in a way where they are easy to download. On the technical side, a true podcast is an audio file saved in an mp3 format and placed on the Internet. An RSS page is then created which points back to the file on the net. While this sounds quite technical, it can be simplified to the point where anyone who can use a phone can create a podcast. You never want the technical stuff to get in the way of great learning opportunities. So, don’t worry if it is REALLY a podcast. If it is audio and easy to access via the web, you have succeeded in making what most people consider a podcast!

What are people making into podcasts? Just about anything that can be recorded. Podcasts have tremendous promise in education. We just need to look at them with “21 st century eyes.” You can use podcasts to keep current in the news, listen to famous lectures or give your student’s writings a voice. Podcasts can also provide a unique way to bring expertise and creativity into the classroom.

Once recorded and posted on the Internet, podcasts can be listened to with a computer or they can be downloaded to any mp3 player.

PODCASTING WITH A PHONE

Here are two ways that you can create a podcast with a phone.

This adventure makes use of a podcasting sandbox. This is a space that has been created for this conference where you can experience the simplicity of podcasting with your cell phone. Using the information below, you will dial an 800 number for Gabcast and enter the channel number and password provided for this sandbox. Follow the directions on the phone carefully remembering to press 2 at the end of the entire process to post your recording on the Internet. Go ahead!

Posting a Podcast with Gabcast (www.gabcast.com)

1. Call 800-749-0632
2. Enter Channel Code (16846#)
3. Enter Channel Password (1111#)
4. Follow directions on phone to Record Message
5. Enter # when done then listen to instructions
6. Press 2 to Post Message or follow directions on phone for other options.

Now you can listen to your podcast by visiting the Podcasting Sandbox

Go ahead and take the plunge. Set you your free Gabcast account today

DIRECTIONS

• Simply go to www.gabcast.com and click on SIGN UP NOW.
• Follow the directions provided on the screen. Make sure you write down your channel number and PIN so you will be able to make your podcasts from your phone.
• Dial 800-749-0632 and follow the directions given on the phone. This is where you will need your channel number and PIN.
• Go to Gabcast and search for your podcast by searching your name or channel number. Hint: your channel will have a specific address which you can share with others. This will make it easy to share your podcast with anyone you wish.
• Now that you have created your first podcast on your own Gabcast account, remember that you can add additional channel for each project or class you might be teaching.

 

Gcast is very similar to Gabcast. However, it includes additional functions that are not part of Gabcast. Gcast also allows you to upload audio to your channel which can be part of your podcast. This means that you can use other audio tools to capture audio then post on Gcast for publication. Like Gabcast, Gcast allows you to also create podcasts with a simple phone call. You can set up an account and test it today at www.gcast.com.

The first four faculty members who leave a message in the podcasting sandbox described above and email me after they have posted will get their choice of a copy of ANY of the "good reads" featured in any Bits and Bytes in the past, a USB Memory Stick or a Wireless Mouse. (One prize per person).