Podcasts

toc What is a [|podcast]? At its most basic level, a podcast is an audio recording that is made on a computer. Most podcasts are similar to amateur radio programs that involve personal reflections, commentary, or updates about areas of interest.

The name, podcast, is somewhat misleading; you don't need an [|iPod] to listen or create a podcast. All you need to create a podcast is a microphone, a computer, some recording software (free), and a way to publish the audio on the web. However, the name pays homage to the iPod because podcasting became popular at the height of the iPod-iTunes hysteria (when people could create, distribute ([|iTunes]), and listen to audio anywhere on an iPod). For example, you can listen to a podcast on the web even though you may/may not have an iPod. At the same time, you can also save a podcast to your iPod.

What makes a podcast different from other audio files on the Internet (ones that you might listen to when visiting a website) is the way it is distributed. A podcast is delivered or "pushed" to mass audiences whereas other audio files are either downloaded or "pulled."

Podcasts recently began to incorporate video and not just audio.

Examples

 * Tools for Finding Podcasts**
 * 1) [|iTunes]: You must download and install iTunes before searching/finding podcasts
 * 2) [|Yahoo's Podcast Directory]
 * 3) [|Podcast.com]
 * 4) [|Odeo]
 * 5) [|Gcast]


 * Tools for Creating Podcasts**
 * 1) [|Garage Band]
 * 2) [|Audacity]
 * 3) [|Odeo]
 * 4) [|Gcast]
 * 5) [|GabCast]

Resources

 * 1) [|The Education Podcast Network]
 * 2) [|Podcast Directory for Educators]