Podcasting allows a user to "subscribe" to a series of audio programs. It is similar to listening to your radio only it can be heard at anytime that is convienient. The files get automatically downloaded over the internet to your computer and then can be played back using standard software like iTunes (runs on PC and Mac, free download at http://www.apple.com/itunes.
It also allows the portability of taking the programs with you on a portable mp3 player like the iPod.
What you need to listen:
Internet connected computer
Sound playback capability
a podcast player software like iTunes
Optional: MP3 Player like an iPod, will allow you to take you sound files on the “road”.
How to subscribe to a podcast with iTunes
http://www.infopeople.org/resources/itunespodcasting.html
Basic List
1) Computer with Internet connection
2) a sound card for headphone jack output and mic jack input
3) Headset with microphone
4) Sound Recording Software (Audacity)
5) Website to store and forward the sound file (mypodcast.com)
(freeware)
http://audacity.sourceforge.net/Tutorial for setting preferences
http://www.guidesandtutorials.com/audacity-tutorial.html
Basic Recording Instructions
After setting preferences
Hit the red Record button to start
Hit yellow Stop button to terminate the recording
Hit green Play button to hear what you did
To save as MP3 go File menu and select Export as MP3
MyPodcast.Com
a very easy to use site the allows the free creation of a web site that will host your sound files. They do insert advertisements in your podcast but they are short and not so intrusive as to detract too much from your own message. They have a sound recording tool but I prefer Audacity as it works for Windows and Mac.
Advanced How tos:
http://www.podcastingnews.com/articles/How-to-Podcast.html
http://radio.about.com/od/podcastin1/a/aa030805a.htm
http://www.podcasttools.com/training.htm
Validate your RSS Feed
http://feedvalidator.org/
ESL Pod.Com
http://www.eslpod.com/
They have instructional podcasts on a variety of topics. Each cast has the audio but also the script that a student can follow along with.
http://a4esl.org
More ESL podcasts with transcripts!
Scroll down to where it says Podcasts
EnglishCaster.Com
www.englishcaster.com
Podcast lessons for learners of English
English Learning Language List on iTunes
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewRoom?fcId=214705365&id=33
English Language Teaching Podcast
better at english.com
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=188247710
goFluent English in the Real World
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=113791515
Great Speeches in History
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=204935202
Learnoutloud.com and Americanrhetoric.com
Smithsonian Global Sounds
http://phobos.apple.com/WebObjects/MZStore.woa/wa/viewPodcast?id=259686379
http://www.smithsonianglobalsound.org/teaching_activities.aspx
Business English Podcast- Getting Attention
http://www.businessenglishpod.com/2007/07/29/bep-59-adv-persuasion-1-getting-attention/
