How to create a Podcast.

The following is intended primarily for faculty, but can be adapted for non-classroom related purposes.

In an ideal world, every campus classroom would make it as easy to record a Coursecast as clicking two buttons, one that would start recording and the other that would stop recording and automatically put the recording online. (As long as we are speaking ideally, a third button would assure that your students listen to and absorbed the material.)

Options

But until that happens, here are your options.

1) Faculty can request a short term loan from Academic Computing of a course casting kit. These kits will initially consist of a video iPod, an attached microphone, an optional lapel microphone, and software. For longer term use, faculty should consider applying for a Provost/TTG or President Partners' grant.

To create a Podcast or Coursecast of a class:

at the start of class, decide which of the two microphone choices works best for you
click Record in the iPod window
put the iPod on a podium, in your pocket, on your arm...
conduct your class
back in your office, connect the iPod to your computer using the provided USB cable
name the Podcast/Coursecast and upload it to Blackboard or other website.

(Most faculty will want to restrict Coursecasts to students currently in their courses. SMU's Blackboard Course Management System is a good solution although many websites, such as faculty.smu.edu, can be password protected.)

If you really get into making Coursecasts, especially from your office or other non-classroom location, you may want to invest in a better microphone and more professional setup. Academic Computing can give you advice on equipment and software. One good option is the free Audacity software.

2) Even if you don't normally record your courses, for individual events (e.g., guest lecturers), faculty can arrange with the Norwick Center for Media & Instructional Technology for recording (fee-based service). Departments and schools can make special arrangements with CMIT for recording multiple courses.

3) In the future, high-use classrooms may be podcasting ready. We plan to create a shared drive especially for faculty to use for transferring coursecasts from the classroom.

Suggestions

Regardless of which option you choose, here are some suggestions:

Consider audio only. It is much easier to make audio than video recordings and will be less trouble for your students.
Do a trial, preferably in the classroom, to become comfortable with the recording process.
Try to use your recordings "as is." Specifically, resist the temptation to edit. Your students will appreciate having quick access to your Coursecasts and you won't be as likely to burn out. If you must edit, consider using the free Audacity software.
If you have a TA, assign them to make the Coursecasts. You could also consider having technically adept students in your course take responsibility for making recordings.
At the beginning of the semester, develop a simple but consistent naming convention for your files so you and your students will be able to identify specific Coursecasts.
Be careful when including any copyrighted material, such as music, especially if you do not use Blackboard or other access control. In the Links section are some links on copyright as well as a form for guest lecturers to sign.

09.03.09