Learn how to create and utilize

Ok, I'm interested. Now what?

Audacity works just like an old-time tape recorder, complete with a red "record" button, play, etc. It also allows you to edit your recording by recording over your mistakes or deleting parts of the file.

Click Here to download Audacity

Audacity saves files in an "aud" format, which is not compatible with MP3 players. Because of this, you have to install an MP3 converter to change the Audacity file to an MP3. I use the LAME converter. Once you record your Audacity file, choose <file> and then <export as MP3> and it will save as an MP3. Click here to download LAME converter

HOW DO I RECORD A PODCAST? To record a podcast you will need the following:

	a computer
	a microphone and speakers
	recording software (the best is Audacity, which is free)
	a conversion software (LAME) to convert files to MP3 format
	a place to upload your Podcast.

I RECORDED MY FILE, NOW WHAT DO I DO WITH IT? Now that you have an audiofile, you will want to share it by putting it on a hosting site.

	You will need to choose a place to upload your file. There are many free hosting services out there. They usually limit the number of podcasts you can upload for free, so I just remove old ones and upload new ones to keep under the maximum. I use Podbean, but there are many free hosting websites out there. Look for sites that do not have a lot of advertising. See my Teacher Resource page for more podcast hosting sites.
	If you don't need the file to be mobile you can also just download it to your own website and make it available that way. I do this with leveled readers, etc. that will only be used in my classroom and to not need to travel. Go to Audio Files to see some examples.
	Once your file has been uploaded you will need to share the site address with your students so that they can download the file. Most will use iTunes to download to his/her MP3 player. You can download iTunes here.

For more information on podcasting, examples of podcasting directories, please see my Teacher Resource page. You can also find a Powerpoint overview on this page as well. Happy recording!

If you have questions, comments or ideas about using technology in your classroom, post here.

	Students record daily weather forecasts that are then downloaded to our podcasting site (Podbean) and can be shared with the rest of the school or with family. This reinforces knowledge of weather components, moon phases and instruments on a daily basis. Click here to listen to our forecasts.
	Students create a record a radio news show. You can create a show about any topic - we recently created some on simple machines.
	I record grade level texts as an audiofile and download them to our podcasting site. This allows my lower level readers to listen to the text on their Ipod or computer while reading the text. It also allows for a "mobile" listening center because students can download to their MP3 player and sit anywhere in the classroom to listen along.
	There are numerous podcasts already out there that you can ask students to listen to. For example, sites like Storynory have dozens of already recorded books on tape that students can listen to for free.
	My high level students, who are frequently early finishers, can work on creating a podcast explaining the concept for students still struggling. This gives these students an extension activity to work on while providing a different way of teaching a concept to the other students.
	We have recorded voiceovers for animation projects using GoAnimate where students animate their writing and then put a voice to their words. This activity requires that students first write a piece of fiction, summarize it to fit into short sentences for the slides, create characters, and also provides fluency practice while recording.