About the Course
[New Student (NS) enters the room and finds a seat near the front. Other NSs are already beginning to debate how long they have to stay if the instructor doesn’t show up soon.]
NS. I wonder what the goals for this course are? I assume we will have to design and develop our own educational podcast series. Urg, I wish I had time to look over the syllabus before class! Oh, look, there are computers in the classroom and the syllabus is probably posted on Blackboard. What’s this wiki thingy that appears…?
NS2. Excuse me NS, weren’t you in Rick’s Intro to Web 2.0 class last spring?
NS. Yup
NS2. Do you think the course is designed for beginners -- those like me who have little to no background recording and editing audio?
NS. Probably. Most of these tools classes are oriented that way. But I have prior audio production experience, so I'll see if accommodations can be made for me. I’ve had this instructor before and he is just the best thing since sliced bread…. [NS goes on and on about the instructor] NS2. Will we learn how to create audio podcasts? Will we be taught about design knowledge of podcasting for learning purposes? How much work ….. for 5 week class. OMG, how will I ever create two podcasts …
NS. Geesh, read the syllabus.
[Rick (R), the instructor, walks in late due to University Drive detours.]
R. OK! This is class. Welcome.
R. Open a browser to http://courses.gmu.edu and logon with your GMU email login. If you haven’t looked over our Blackboard (Bb) Learning System course, take a moment to visit the links on the left hand menu bar?
NS. Is there a syllabus?
R. Yes, of course, I’ll go over that in class the first meeting, but here are some key links and tools that we will use throughout the course:
Read the Syllabus -- post any questions or concerns about the syllabus/course to Discussions forums.
Use Discussions tool to complete Assign.#2, request help from your classmates and myself, and to share resources.
Use Web Links to find the links to some primary resources used in the course, as well as a link to the social bookmarking site, del.icio.us where I have a collection of supplementary links to related resources.
Use My Grades to check grades for your assignments.
NS. What’s this wiki spaces thing?
R. Ah, a wiki is a great collaborative editing tool – you and I will use it for much of the course work. It contains the main source of your course content and is where you will write-up your design project plan. Take a look through it. Modules 2-5 are not available yet. I will go over it more the first night of class. [cough]
About the Texbook and Learning Resources
[Secrets of Podcasting: Audio Blogging for the Masses, Farkas, Bart. G.,
Berkeley, CA: Peachpit. 2nd ed. (2006). ISBN: 0-321-43843-4 TextBook Website ]
NS. What textbook?
NS2. No, a textbook is not required for this course.
NS. Why no textbook? Hmm, $$$. Yeah, no textbook!
R. I did not make a textbook mandatory. While there are dozens of books about podcasting in general, none focus on podcasting for educational purposes. The one listed in syllabus is the best one for providing a visual overview, while also providing solid tutorials and still be useful as a reference when you get more advanced. The learning modules reference sections of this I do not go through the book from beginning to end; rather, I skip around to tailor the book to the instructional sequence I have designed. But , Mason has a free, full-text version of this book online at: Safari Proquest Books.
NS2. So you must provide plenty of alternative and primary web readings on the technical aspects of podcasting, as well as resources on education podcasting that are not covered in the book?
R. You took the words right out of my mouth. I provide numerous web links. If you find web sites or readings that you'd like to share with the class, post them to Discussion Board. For hands-on skills, I also recommend checking out the library of online training materials at Lynda.com.
I also found a nice quickstart guide on Podcasting and have made that available for easy purchase at the bookstore or you can use the online version: http://www.quamut.com/quamut/podcasting
NS. Sweet, the money I save on textbooks I can put into buying a USB headset for class!
R. Exactly, and nice segue to information about how your technical preparations and issues. [Message from our sponsors; music by Adam Lambert--the next American Idol]
[Narrator: this next segment is about Course Preparations – Hardware, Software, and Equipment] [Narrator: Let’s talk about Hardware and Equipment first]
R. Here’s the deal on hardware and equipment needed for the class. You need a good working computer with 2GB or more of RAM at minimum to process multimedia work. If you own a laptop, I recommend you use yours during class, so you get to learn in your own environment that is the same when you get home. We'll have both Windows and Mac computers available for you to use in class though.
NS2. I’ve heard that microphones are vital to any podcast production.
NS. So, we don't need any special computer equipment but we need to get our own good quality microphone to use?
R. That's right.
NS. How about portable MP3 players like iPods -- are they required for this course?
R. No, you can play and listen to podcasts on your computer. For me, the ability to listen to podcasts away from the computer is a better listening and learning experience, e.g. in the car, working out. The iPod makes learning possible away from the computer. It is for this reason that I do recommend, not require, buying one to get the full experience of podcasting via iPod. It is only through experience that you will learn the ways in which listening to audio and video podcasts can be educational.
NS. What kind of MP3 player do you recommend?
R. MP3 players range in size from 1GB, to 80GB. I would say buy an iPod touch at 8GB. That way you get to test out some extra features like video podcasting, Apps, downloading TV shows, and even movies.
NS. Rick seems a bit Apple centric. There are many good alternative mp3 players, that are not made by Apple. Products like Sansa, iRiver, Creative Zen, Zune etc. are good but not compatible with Apple in certain ways. They have very nice features like built-in recording, FM tuners, larger screens, etc.
R. Thanks NS, you even look a little like the PC guy from the TV ads. I would just note that certain of the file formats that iTunes uses (m4a and m4v) may not be supported on non-Apple players.
[Narrator: Let’s talk about Podcasting (and Podcatching) Software]
NS. Do I have to come onto campus to use Mason computer labs to complete any of my assignments?
R. Computers play an important role in learning about podcasting. Right now podcasting software options differ based on the operating system. High end and low end production can be done using either platform, using different software most of it low cost or free. I'm going to make available as many software options as I can get my hands on. For the purposes of this course, I want you to select and learn the software that bests suits the design of your educational podcast. Review Farkas, Chapter 3: pp. 120-134 for background information on podcasting software.
NS. Huh?
R. Sorry, the answer is no. To keep it simple, start by installing iTunes 8.x and Audacity v1.2.6 programs/ tools on your own computer. Then look over some of the other options below. All software is free for the length of the course, with the exception of iLife for Mac owners. We will have copies of all software available to use in class. If you already have these programs, please check that you have the most current versions. If you run into installation problems and need technical assistance, try posting to the Discussion Board under Tech Help!
· iTunes (Mac, Win) is free "content management software". It's the most complete solution for managing podcast subscriptions and syncing content to iPod. Whether you have an iPod or not, you will need this software in order to learn how to subscribe to and find podcasts in Mod 2.Installation movie. · Juice is an alternative podcast management software. I've read good reviews but have not tried it myself. Install Juice if you want to evaluate alternatives to iTunes, but it will not be a part of this course. · Audacity (Mac, Win) is free and open source audio editing software. For basic podcasting this software has the editing tools you will need. You'll also need to download and install the lame encoder, this will allow you to save in the mp3 format. We'll practice making podcasts with Audacity in Module 3 and learn editing techniques in Module 4. · iLife '08 (Mac only) is Apple's multimedia production package. Garageband 3 is the latest version of their audio editing software. Check which version you have, version 3 is a many new features that version 2 does not. For those with Macs it is not required for you to purchase, but it is highly recommended to upgrade. Those of you with Windows, may have an opportunity to play with Garageband in class. iMovie also comes with iLife. It is video editing software. We'll practice making audio (and possibly video podcasts) in Module 3 and learning editing techniques in Module 4. · Camtasia (Mac, Win) is screen capture software. It great for recording instruction on how to use a particular software. This is now called Screencasting. It can also be used to record narration over a PowerPoint presentation. Install Camtasia 6 if you are interested in creating enhanced podcasts in Module 3. The link is to a 30 day free trial, enough for the purposes of this course. Adobe Captivate is another screen capture software. A free and open source version is called Wink. Or, check out another free one called Jing.
NS. So, the course textbook is free, the software we need to complete course work is available as a free download, and we don't need an MP3 player, but we need to get our own good quality microphone to use?
R. That's right. And that's basically what you need to know to get started. Questions?
NS. Yes. How …. [R. interrupts]
R. Post your questions to Blackboard Discussions forums. But, I will answer more in class Monday, 5/18, from 7-10pm, right.
About the Course[New Student (NS) enters the room and finds a seat near the front. Other NSs are already beginning to debate how long they have to stay if the instructor doesn’t show up soon.]
NS. I wonder what the goals for this course are? I assume we will have to design and develop our own educational podcast series. Urg, I wish I had time to look over the syllabus before class! Oh, look, there are computers in the classroom and the syllabus is probably posted on Blackboard. What’s this wiki thingy that appears…?
NS2. Excuse me NS, weren’t you in Rick’s Intro to Web 2.0 class last spring?
NS. Yup
NS2. Do you think the course is designed for beginners -- those like me who have little to no background recording and editing audio?
NS. Probably. Most of these tools classes are oriented that way. But I have prior audio production experience, so I'll see if accommodations can be made for me. I’ve had this instructor before and he is just the best thing since sliced bread…. [NS goes on and on about the instructor]
NS2. Will we learn how to create audio podcasts? Will we be taught about design knowledge of podcasting for learning purposes? How much work ….. for 5 week class. OMG, how will I ever create two podcasts …
NS. Geesh, read the syllabus.
[Rick (R), the instructor, walks in late due to University Drive detours.]
R. OK! This is class. Welcome.
R. Open a browser to http://courses.gmu.edu and logon with your GMU email login. If you haven’t looked over our Blackboard (Bb) Learning System course, take a moment to visit the links on the left hand menu bar?
NS. Is there a syllabus?
R. Yes, of course, I’ll go over that in class the first meeting, but here are some key links and tools that we will use throughout the course:
NS. What’s this wiki spaces thing?
R. Ah, a wiki is a great collaborative editing tool – you and I will use it for much of the course work. It contains the main source of your course content and is where you will write-up your design project plan. Take a look through it. Modules 2-5 are not available yet. I will go over it more the first night of class. [cough]
About the Texbook and Learning Resources
[Secrets of Podcasting: Audio Blogging for the Masses, Farkas, Bart. G.,
Berkeley, CA: Peachpit. 2nd ed. (2006). ISBN: 0-321-43843-4 TextBook Website ]
NS. What textbook?
NS2. No, a textbook is not required for this course.
NS. Why no textbook? Hmm, $$$. Yeah, no textbook!
R. I did not make a textbook mandatory. While there are dozens of books about podcasting in general, none focus on podcasting for educational purposes. The one listed in syllabus is the best one for providing a visual overview, while also providing solid tutorials and still be useful as a reference when you get more advanced. The learning modules reference sections of this I do not go through the book from beginning to end; rather, I skip around to tailor the book to the instructional sequence I have designed. But , Mason has a free, full-text version of this book online at: Safari Proquest Books.
NS2. So you must provide plenty of alternative and primary web readings on the technical aspects of podcasting, as well as resources on education podcasting that are not covered in the book?
R. You took the words right out of my mouth. I provide numerous web links. If you find web sites or readings that you'd like to share with the class, post them to Discussion Board. For hands-on skills, I also recommend checking out the library of online training materials at Lynda.com.
I also found a nice quickstart guide on Podcasting and have made that available for easy purchase at the bookstore or you can use the online version: http://www.quamut.com/quamut/podcasting
NS. Sweet, the money I save on textbooks I can put into buying a USB headset for class!
R. Exactly, and nice segue to information about how your technical preparations and issues.
[Message from our sponsors; music by Adam Lambert--the next American Idol]
[Narrator: this next segment is about Course Preparations – Hardware, Software, and Equipment]
[Narrator: Let’s talk about Hardware and Equipment first]
R. Here’s the deal on hardware and equipment needed for the class. You need a good working computer with 2GB or more of RAM at minimum to process multimedia work. If you own a laptop, I recommend you use yours during class, so you get to learn in your own environment that is the same when you get home. We'll have both Windows and Mac computers available for you to use in class though.
NS2. I’ve heard that microphones are vital to any podcast production.
R. Yes, and as you'll quickly learn there are many types and levels of quality. For the purposes of this class, hold off buying one until you have a clearer idea about the kind of podcast recording you are interested in. I'll discuss this more in class. We will have some microphones available in class, but these cannot be checked out and are NOT of good enough quality for your podcast episodes. (Read Farkas, Chapter 3: pp. 96-119 for background information on audio equipment).
Mics podcast -- http://deimos3.apple.com/WebObjects/Core.woa/Browse/psu.edu.1171800268.01172144290.1160470502?i=1157520737
Mics overview video -- http://www.jahu.net/videos/video/EhRWs9XhR9g&feature=youtube_gdata/Best_Podcasting_Microphone_Roundup_and_Review.html
NS. So, we don't need any special computer equipment but we need to get our own good quality microphone to use?R. That's right.
NS. How about portable MP3 players like iPods -- are they required for this course?
R. No, you can play and listen to podcasts on your computer. For me, the ability to listen to podcasts away from the computer is a better listening and learning experience, e.g. in the car, working out. The iPod makes learning possible away from the computer. It is for this reason that I do recommend, not require, buying one to get the full experience of podcasting via iPod. It is only through experience that you will learn the ways in which listening to audio and video podcasts can be educational.
NS. What kind of MP3 player do you recommend?
R. MP3 players range in size from 1GB, to 80GB. I would say buy an iPod touch at 8GB. That way you get to test out some extra features like video podcasting, Apps, downloading TV shows, and even movies.
NS. Rick seems a bit Apple centric. There are many good alternative mp3 players, that are not made by Apple. Products like Sansa, iRiver, Creative Zen, Zune etc. are good but not compatible with Apple in certain ways. They have very nice features like built-in recording, FM tuners, larger screens, etc.
R. Thanks NS, you even look a little like the PC guy from the TV ads. I would just note that certain of the file formats that iTunes uses (m4a and m4v) may not be supported on non-Apple players.
[Narrator: Let’s talk about Podcasting (and Podcatching) Software]
NS. Do I have to come onto campus to use Mason computer labs to complete any of my assignments?
R. Computers play an important role in learning about podcasting. Right now podcasting software options differ based on the operating system. High end and low end production can be done using either platform, using different software most of it low cost or free. I'm going to make available as many software options as I can get my hands on. For the purposes of this course, I want you to select and learn the software that bests suits the design of your educational podcast. Review Farkas, Chapter 3: pp. 120-134 for background information on podcasting software.
NS. Huh?
R. Sorry, the answer is no. To keep it simple, start by installing iTunes 8.x and Audacity v1.2.6 programs/ tools on your own computer. Then look over some of the other options below. All software is free for the length of the course, with the exception of iLife for Mac owners. We will have copies of all software available to use in class. If you already have these programs, please check that you have the most current versions. If you run into installation problems and need technical assistance, try posting to the Discussion Board under Tech Help!
· iTunes (Mac, Win) is free "content management software". It's the most complete solution for managing podcast subscriptions and syncing content to iPod. Whether you have an iPod or not, you will need this software in order to learn how to subscribe to and find podcasts in Mod 2. Installation movie.
· Juice is an alternative podcast management software. I've read good reviews but have not tried it myself. Install Juice if you want to evaluate alternatives to iTunes, but it will not be a part of this course.
· Audacity (Mac, Win) is free and open source audio editing software. For basic podcasting this software has the editing tools you will need. You'll also need to download and install the lame encoder, this will allow you to save in the mp3 format. We'll practice making podcasts with Audacity in Module 3 and learn editing techniques in Module 4.
· iLife '08 (Mac only) is Apple's multimedia production package. Garageband 3 is the latest version of their audio editing software. Check which version you have, version 3 is a many new features that version 2 does not. For those with Macs it is not required for you to purchase, but it is highly recommended to upgrade. Those of you with Windows, may have an opportunity to play with Garageband in class. iMovie also comes with iLife. It is video editing software. We'll practice making audio (and possibly video podcasts) in Module 3 and learning editing techniques in Module 4.
· Camtasia (Mac, Win) is screen capture software. It great for recording instruction on how to use a particular software. This is now called Screencasting. It can also be used to record narration over a PowerPoint presentation. Install Camtasia 6 if you are interested in creating enhanced podcasts in Module 3. The link is to a 30 day free trial, enough for the purposes of this course. Adobe Captivate is another screen capture software. A free and open source version is called Wink. Or, check out another free one called Jing.
NS. So, the course textbook is free, the software we need to complete course work is available as a free download, and we don't need an MP3 player, but we need to get our own good quality microphone to use?
R. That's right. And that's basically what you need to know to get started. Questions?NS. Yes. How …. [R. interrupts]
R. Post your questions to Blackboard Discussions forums. But, I will answer more in class Monday, 5/18, from 7-10pm, right.
NS. Any assignments?
R. If there were, they’d be listed at: http://edit575.wikispaces.com/Assignments
Assignments
You're done with this module if you: