Here's a short video, by "Ask a Ninja," about podcasting - basic information presented with a fun twist.  To learn more, take a look at the multi-media and text we are putting together here.

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What is a Podcast?

A podcast is a collection of digital media files which is distributed over the Internet using syndication feeds for playback on portable media players and personal computers. They are available to use 24/7, on-demand. 

The syndication feed is important - think of it as being like a magazine subscription.  It allows users to "sign up" for the podcast and automatically get updates as new podcasts from a series become available. 

While one can start podcasting by just posting files - creating the syndication feed (RSS) is what makes them most useful to listeners - this is a powerful new tool that enables people to listen, enjoy, and stay current with podcasts that are of interest.

While the term "podcast" comes from combining the terms "broadcast" and "iPod", podcasts DO NOT REQUIRE iPODS OR ANY PORTABLE MUSIC/MP3 PLAYERS.  Any personal computer can be used. 

This technology is not about Apple/Mac computers - its platform independent.  The idea is to allow listeners to download content they want to listen to, so that they can listen to it when it is convenient for them.

Podcasts usually consist of audio files (MP3 format) that are posted to the Web.  Other media can be included - today it is common to include with podcasts.  To get started podcasting, one needs to:

1. Create a series of short audio, enhanced audio (audio including pictures & graphics) or video files
2. Post these files to a blog or Website on a server that is capable of "streaming" them so that viewers can download and use the media.
3. Create an RSS feed, an XML file that provides metadata (common buzzword today, just think "information about data") about the podcast series and individual podcasts files.  This would include the purpose of the podcasts, producer, publication dates, length of podcasts, segments of each show, and the URL of the Website containing the podcast files.

Educators, library media specialists, and anyone with something to say or share should be able to see the value of providing information in an audio or multi-media format, accessible on-demand, using technology that automatically notifies its audience when more information or updates are available. 

Sometimes, downloadable, streaming MP3 files are referred to as "podcasts".  This is correct in terms of format - these files can be used in iPods, MP3 players, PCs and even copied on CDs.  This falls short of the definition we are using - connecting interested users with updates and additional podcasts of useful information. 

The difference between Webcasting and podcasting is the use of technology to keep listeners/viewers updated.

Receiving Podcasts:  RSS Feeds

The key to podcasting is to communicate with your audience - automatically let people know when there is more content they should listen to or view.  This is down with RSS feeds - an acronym for Really Simple Syndication (note:  technical enthusiasts might tell you that RSS stands for Rich Site Summary, whatever...)

An RSS document, also called a "feed", "web feed", or "channel", contains a summary of content from an associated web site or the full text.  RSS makes it possible for people to keep up with their favorite web sites in an automated manner.  Its easier than checking them manually.

RSS content is read using software called an "RSS reader", "feed reader" or an "aggregator".  The user subscribes to a feed by entering the feed's link into the reader or by clicking an RSS icon (most often, the "wave" shown above is used) or a "subscribe" link on a Website.  This initiates the subscription process. The reader checks the user's subscribed feeds regularly for new content, downloading any updates.

RSS are formatted in XML, a companion to HTML that is used to create Web pages.  The goal is to allow computers to communicate when content changes on a Website or set of source files. 

But this is starting to sound like computer geek, to enjoy podcasts, we don't really need to talk about the technology that underlies the process.  If you want to know more, check out detailed explanation of RSS feeds at Search Engine Watch.

In simpler terms - when you see an RSS, ATOM, XML, or SUBSCRIBE link on a Website, you are being offered the opportunity to receive automatic updates of text, audio, or multimedia information.  Its like subscribing to magazines about things you are interested in - the difference being it is FREE and the content is dynamic.  Sounds like a good deal, right?

So how do you get started?  There are 2 ways:

1. Downloading or subscribing to podcasts with an RSS reader, also called "aggregator software" (or "podcatchers").  There are a number of free programs that allow you to subscribe.  We recommend JUICE, a free program that you can download at the link above.  Here is a short tutorial about using it:

2. Go to a podcast dire

As this video points out, subscription links are build into Web portals like Google and My Yahoo too.  They are even being integrated into browsers like Firefox and Internet Explorer.

Install JUICE, or an RSS feeder/aggregator of your choice.  Then you're "good to go."  Want see more about each option?  Here's a good video to get you started:

Want to know more?  This presentation about using RSS feeds, comparing and contrasting the difference between manually looking for updated content and using RSS - automatically being notified when there is new content of interest.  This video recommends using "Google Reader"

So you can see - getting started with podcasts is easy.  All you have to do is find some content areas of interest and use an RSS feeder/aggregator to sign up or go to a podcast directory like Podcast Alley, subscribing to podcasts that sound interesting. 

Overview: Creating Podcasts

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