The TLC lab features iMac computers equipped with the latest software for podcast content development. In addition, the TLC staff can help faculty interested in creating podcasts on their notebook and tablet computers.

A podcast is a special type of file download that happens by way of ‘subscription.’ Instead of files being downloaded piecemeal or incrementally delivered as a stream, podcasts are delivered as ‘episodes’ that are automatically downloaded to the subscriber as they become available. Podcast downloads are sometimes referred to as 'feeds.'

Audio, video and PDF documents can be delivered as podcasts. Apple’s iTunes software is the most popular application for managing podcast subscriptions.

The ‘pod’ part of podcasting refers to the ability to download content from iTunes to an iPod. HOWEVER, it is not necessary to have an iPod or any other portable media player to access podcasts; the entire experience can take place on your computer via iTunes. Further, using a set of simple software tools, faculty can record their OWN audio, such as a lecture, or their OWN video, such as an equipment demonstration, and upload it to iTunes U to create a podcast. Students or colleagues can then access the podcast on a computer with iTunes, or additionally download it to their iPod and take it with them.

Click to view a brief tutorial on using iTunes to subscribe to a podcast.

Types of Podcasts and How They Are Created

Click the 'PODCAST' button below to subscribe to a feed containing examples of the types of podcasts described below.

1 - Audio Podcast - think of this being like a radio broadcast. For each 'episode' audio is recorded (i.e., a voice) on a computer, then is edited and saved as an MP3 or AAC file.

2 - Enhanced Podcast - an audio podcast that contains chapters that can be navigated. In addition, each chapter can have an image associated with it.

3 - Video Podcast - a video file distributed via podcast. Since video files tend to be BIG, file compression is necessary; further, files with long durations may not be good candidates for podcasting. MP4, M4V and MOV are common video file formats for podcasting.

CLICK BELOW TO SUBSCRIBE:

MEDIA PLAYERS REQUIRED TO VIEW MATERIALS ON THIS PAGE:

Content Creation and Management Tools

Listed below are some common tools for creating and managing podcast content on the Macintosh and Windows platforms. This list will be updated as more resources become available.

MAC
Garage Band - for recording and editing audio, can be used to create and manage content for audio and enhanced podcasts.
iWeb - for website creation, contains templates for easily creating a website with a podcast feed.
iMovie - for editing video, can be used to format movies for podcasting.
iTunes* - use to subscribe to and manage podcasts.
ChapterToolMe* - a stand-alone application for creating enhanced podcats. Currently runs only on OSX 10.4. and up

WIN:
Audacity* - for recording and editing audio, can be used to create content for audio podcasts. Supports MP3 format.
Camtasia - for recording screen motions and light video editing, can be used to create content for video podcasts.
iTunes* - use to subscribe to and manage podcasts.
Podcast Maker* - an RSS generator used to generate .xml files with appropriate RSS code that can be placed in a website to create podcast.

*available as freeware or shareware

Content Creation Reference Guides (click links below to download PDF) :

- Podcasting on Windows PCs Using Camtasia
- Podcasting on the Mac Using Garage Band

RSS - Real Simple Syndication