Introduction to Podcasting mp3
This edition of Introduction to Podcasting is for Windows and Macintosh users. To begin, there are a few tools that are required to record and playback our sound digitally. In this example for recording, I am using a software program called Audacity. It is a free, open source software for recording and editing sounds. It is available for Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, GNU/Linux, and other operating systems. To download, go to http://audacity.sourceforge.net. While you are there also download Lame. Follow these instructions: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/help/faq?s=install&item=lame-mp3
You will also need a microphone. The cheap plastic mics that come with most desktop computer will work fine. However, if you are interested in broadcast or better quality, AITDL has a recording studio available and will assist in the production of the audio clip. Speakers and an mp3 player are required for playback; this could include Windows Media Player, iTunes, or any other mp3 player. To subscribe to podcasts you will need a podcast retriever. I recommend iTunes. It is available for most platforms. I will cover this later on in the podcast.
Once you have the software installed, contact Computer Services for assistance in the installation process, you are ready to record.
Open the Audacity software. This will give you a new file window.
Because you are probably recording voice only, under preferences, quality, change the default sample rate to 22000hz and the default sample format to 16-bit. Also, under file formats (still under preference window), change the MP3 Export Setup bit rate to 64. This should still sound better than AM radio, maybe not quite as good as FM, but the file sizes will be quite a bit smaller.
With your mic plugged into your computer, press the red circle button toward the top of the window; this is the record button. You will notice a cursor running across this window and an audio wave being drawn. This is a graphical representation of your audio recording. To stop recording, press the yellow square button. To review the recording, press the purple double triangle pointing to the left of your screen. This is the rewind button. Then press the green triangle button to play. I will discuss editing the file in the next podcast.
When you are satisfied with your recording, save the file as an mp3 from File, Save As on your menu bar. The audio file will need to uploaded to a webserver. Your space on the u: drive is best. You will also need to upload an XML file to tell your podcast player how to find the audio file you have just created. Use this code as your xml file and replace the information listed under item (i.e., title, author, pubdate, and enclosure). Save this file as podcast.xml and upload it to the same place as your audio file.
<?xml version="1.0" encoding="utf-8"?>
<rss version="2.0">
<channel>
<title>Introduction to Podcasting</title>
<link>http://www.shsu.edu/~vaf_jlv/</link>
<description>This is a demonstration of using Podcasting technologies in education</ description>
<language>en-us</language>
<pubDate>Wed, 25 May 2005 11:27:08 -0500</pubDate>
<lastBuildDate>Wed, 25 May 2005 11:27:08 -0500</lastBuildDate>
<item>
<title>Introduction to Podcasting 1"</title>
<author>James Van Roekel</author>
<pubDate>Thurs, 9 June 2005 10:37:34 -0500</pubDate>
<enclosure url="http://www.shsu.edu/~vaf_jlv/rss/intropod.mp3"/>
</item>
</channel>
</rss>
We now need a file to tell iTunes that the file is available. Subscribe to the file by clicking on Advanced on the menu bar, then Subscribe to Podcast. A dialogue box will appear where you will enter the URL of your XML file. Your podcast will now be listed under the Podcasts Source list in iTunes. If you do not want to use a retriever program, you can post the mp3s in Blackboard or on your website. If you publish your mp3s on your website, you may email the link to students or colleagues to share your recording.
