In the General Music Classroom

February 13, 2009

What are Podcasts? Uses in the Music Class Benefits of Podcasting Outcomes Creating your own Podcasts Hardware/Software required

A Podcast is a free audio or video series – like a radio or TV show made for download from the internet

Podcasts can be listened to on a computer or on mp3 player.

Podcasts are generally free to download and use

Podcasts are available on a wide variety of topics

Students get hands on experience creating, mixing, and editing audio files Students can work on vocal production techniques (tone, intonation, speed,

and expression) Allows students to use technology without getting too bogged down in the

features (e.g., transitions & animations in PowerPoint / video editing) Has very few security issues (no photos of students, students can use first

names only) Encourages reluctant presenters to discover their voice Engages students in meaningful classroom experiences

Publish students compositions to the web Way for students to present a variety of

music projects• Students create CD / Concert Reviews

Allows teachers to showcase students work

Teachers can use podcasts to create mini lessons / update parents about what’s going on in the class.

Podcasts can help you meet Outcomes in: Music

• Creating, Making, and Presenting• Understanding and Connecting Contexts and Time, Place and

Community• Perceiving and Responding to Music

ELA• Speaking and Listening• Writing and other ways of Representing

ICT Basic Operations and Concepts Social, Ethical, and Human Issues Productivity Communication

Audio Editing Software• Most school computers come pre-loaded with

Audacity (a free, easy to use audio editor) Microphone that can be connected to

the computer Internet Connection Software capable of playing Podcasts

• iTunes, it the most common application but others also exist.

Podcasts consist of three sections Intro

• Introduces the podcast / what it will be about• Generally has a short clip of music in the introduction

Segments (Body)• The number of segments depends on the topics being

covered in the podcast Outro (Conclusion)

• Ends the podcasts, tells people what’s in the next episode, and thanks them for listening

• Generally ends with a short clip of music

Program Overview Importing Audio Recording Audio Editing Audio Files Mixing Saving

A variety of resources and guides are available on the web

A copy of this presentation and the handouts are available from my website• http://hrsbstaff.ednet.ns.ca/royfrancis/

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