Kathleen Ridgely's Design Document

Design Idea

For my educational podcast, I would like to provide information on sights when traveling to the Tampa, FL metro area. The introductory podcast would include an overall view of the major sections of Tampa to visit, such as Ybor City, nearby Clearwater Beach, as well as things to do in the surrounding area. This would include watching sporting events and local events and parades.

The second podcast will focus on a section of Tampa, Ybor City. Rich in history, Ybor City is the place to visit in Tampa for all things Cuban. This podcast will explore the history and culture of the Ybor City neighborhood and what to see while visiting.

Each podcast will be created as an enhanced podcast in an AAC filetype, with pictures to supplement to dialogue presented in the podcast. Pictures will include the sites to see as well as historical documentation, all taken from the perspective of the designer.

  • Students will learn about the sites and history of Tampa, beyond just visiting the beaches nearby. It will introduce students to the neighborhoods and cultures that make Tampa a diverse city, such as the neighborhood of Ybor City.
  • Learning about Tampa would be great for a podcast because it would be something that someone could take with them as they travel through Tampa and see the sites and sounds as they hear about them in the podcast. It would also be useful for someone in the process of traveling to Tampa, such as by car, train, or plane, so that they could learn about things to do and see in Tampa on their way there.
  • The podcast format would be similar to other podcasts such as:

Audience

The learner population for this podcast will be anyone looking to learn more information about Tampa, FL and the surrounding vicinities, especially if they are planning on visiting the location. The best suited age group with be from 20 years and older. The audience will be wide ranging in terms of targeting those looking to travel to Tampa, which is a generally heavily visited place. The intent is to provide information on places to visit, history of various locations in Tampa, significant sites, and cultural epicenters. This will hopefully tap into a wide ranging, multicultural audience.

This podcast will meet the needs of travelers looking to have information on the go for places to visit. They can listen to this podcast on a flight to Florida, in a car on the way to Florida, or any place they wish to listen to the podcast (perhaps even while they are visiting sites in Tampa). This will help meet the need of the on the go traveler looking to learn more about the places they are visiting and why they are significant and to guide them in the learning and understanding of the location.

Learners will subscribe because they will be looking to learn more information about Tampa. They will want to learn more than just about the beaches they can visit, but the cultural significance of such areas like Tarpon Springs, Ybor City, and others. There will be continuous updates of this information and potential expansion to other areas in Florida such as Miami and Key West. With this being an enhanced podcast, learners will be able to see the sites being described, which will prove to be an engaging experience and will keep learners subscribing to more episodes.

Content

The content and resources for this topic will revolve around three elements:

  1. Culture
  2. Important sites
  3. History

Culture will be explored because it helps create the make-up of a community an is a large part of the tourism within Tampa. Cultural makeup such as Cuban heritage will be explored. Culture also has a strong influence on a city, such as architecture, food, and traditions.

Important sites, such as museums, architecture, leisure and other places will be explored in the podcast. This will help the learner discern a "sense of place" of the city so that not only are they more familiar with it, but they also understand the significance of various areas to locals of the city.

History helps lay the foundation of a "sense of place" along with culture. Especially in the case of Tampa, the city is influenced by various historical factors that contribute to its growth and prosperity. Again, this ties in with the cultural influences that will be explored in the podcast as well.

The listeners will have access to resources, such as various websites that I will use to contribute to the content. Any outside resources will be recognized within the podcast so that credit is given to credible resources. Although these resources will be housed on iTunes, I will also create a resource library in my new media presence for the podcast.

The main sources of media for the podcast will be recorded narration, photos (because of the nature of an enhanced podcast), and informational slides to help explain to the learner the content being presented and to help reinforce information. Sound effects and music to be used in the podcasts will include various types music and sounds found from the cultures and people who live in the Tampa area. The podcasts will be created using GarageBand as that is the software that can create an enhanced podcast.

The descriptions of the episodes are as follows:

Touring Tampa Episode 1: Touring Tampa - Life's Not Just A Beach
  • The podcast episode will begin with a few photos showing the main sites to be explored in the introductory podcast. Music will include generic sounding music to be used throughout the introductions to each of the podcasts.
  • The first section will explore a brief overview of the history of Tampa.
  • Next, the cultures that shaped Tampa will be introduced.
  • Finally, important places to be explored will be introduced.
  • The intent of this podcast episode is to lay the groundwork of future podcasts in exploring the neighborhoods and surrounding vicinities of Tampa.

Touring Tampa Episode 2: Touring Tampa - Bienvenido a Ybor City

  • The podcast episode will begin with a few photos of important sites in Ybor City. However, the same intro music will be used. During the podcast, there will be excerpts of traditional Cuban music.
  • The first section will explore the history of Ybor City.
  • Next, the Cuban culture will be explored.
  • Finally, important planes in Ybor City with be explored.
  • The intent of this podcast episode is to show learners the impact of Cuban culture on the city of Tampa.

Touring Tampa Future Episode: Touring Tampa - Opa! A Little Bit of Greece in Tarpon Springs

  • The future podcasts will continue to explore the cultures that influence Tampa and places to see within the Tampa metro area. Music will include generic sounding music like in the other podcast episodes.
  • The format will be similar to the other episodes where history, culture, and important places will be explored in separate segments in the podcast.

Format

The reasoning behind this educational podcast is to present travel information to students in a dynamic way, by not only telling students what to see, but by showing students what to see through the capabilities of enhanced podcasting. The stylistic approach that will be utilized is a monologue-based podcast, where the host of the show tells people what to see, what to know, and what to consider when visiting Tampa.

As outlined below, the podcast will have three core segments. The first segment will cover the history of Tampa. The second segment will cover the cultures of Tampa. The final section will cover the places to visit in Tampa. The episode will be book-ended with an introduction and a conclusion to the podcast. The first episode will run between four and a half and five minutes long, and the second episode will be between six and a half and seven minutes long. Each episode will be published on a bi-weekly schedule, so students can expect to download a new episode once every two weeks.

The podcasts will be recorded in a quiet office where sounds can be minimized with a noise cancelling USB headset, as well as carpeting and cushioned furniture to absorb the potential echoing of the room. The recording will be published in an AAC format so that the podcast can be viewed as an enhanced podcast. This will play at CD quality, around 44.1 mhz and 192 kbpm.

SCRIPT (SUBJECT TO CHANGE AFTER RECORDING TAKES PLACE)
MUSICAL TRANSITION 15 seconds - Show Title Image for Episode
Introduction (45 seconds)

  • 15 seconds of introductory music with voiceover transition
    • Introduce the podcast title and episode
    • Brief introduction of podcast host
    • Brief description of what will be covered in the podcast

SCRIPTED DIALOGUE:
<fade in music> You’re listening to Touring Tampa – your guide to the sights and sounds of America’s Next Greatest City. I’m your host, Kathleen Ridgely. Thanks for joining me today! <fade out music> In our first episode, we’ll discovery the history, culture, and places to see in Tampa. Everything from Spanish history, American culture, and even a taste of Greece, Tampa has it all. Not only known for its beautiful beaches, such as Clearwater beach, Tampa is a bustling city with so much to offer.

MUSICAL TRANSITION 5 seconds - Show Section Title for Next Section

Part I: History of Tampa (1 minute)

  • Native people living in the area
  • Settlement of area by Spanish
  • American occupation
  • Cuban and Greek migration
  • Tampa today
  • Summary

SCRIPTED DIALOGUE:
In order to know the Tampa you see today, you have to understand its beginnings.
The Tampa area was originally inhabited by Native Americans. Members of the Togobaga, Calusa, and Seminole tribes occupied the area before Spanish explorers arrived. In 1513, Ponce De Leon discovered the Tampa Bay area as he trekked across Florida. However, much of the area was left alone, as the Spanish went on to settle the eastern parts of Florida instead.

Tampa’s history as a settlement began in the 1800’s. Tampa first began as a military installation for the Americans in 1823. Growth in Tampa at this time was hindered by poor transportation and the prevalence of diseases, such as yellow fever. However, it wasn’t until transportation by rail was introduced in 1884 to Tampa that the population began to grow.
Cuban and Greek culture reached Tampa’s shores until the late 1880’s to the early 1900’s. Ybor city, named after Vincente Martinez Ybor, is the Cuban neighborhood where cigar production became the staple of the economy. Greek culture was brought to the Tampa area due to an increased demand of sponge diving in the sponge reefs in the Gulf of Mexico.

Much of Tampa’s growth was fueled by industries such as phoshate mining and shipping. It is because of this that Tampa is one of the largest ports in the United States today. Tampa is also one of the largest cities in Florida. As you can see Tampa’s history helps explain the multicultural city one finds today.

Remember, the Spanish overlooked settling the area and was instead primarily settled by Americans. Florida’s growth was fueled by the introduction of the railroad, which brought in more people not just from America, but from far away areas such as Cuba and Greece.

MUSICAL TRANSITION 5 seconds - Show Section Title for Next Section

Part II: Culture of Tampa (1 minute)

  • Cuban influence
  • Greek influence
  • Summary

SCRIPTED DIALOGUE:
Cuban and Greek culture was brought to the Tampa area mainly due to economic forces. In the 1880s Vincente Martinez Ybor brought Cuban culture to Tampa by establishing a cigar factory. The prevalence of cigar making can still be found on the streets of Ybor City today. Jose Marti brought together Cubans in Ybor City to help fight in their homeland of Cuba against Spanish occupation. It is because of this that Marti is sometimes referred to as the “George Washington of Cuba.”

Today, Ybor City flourishes because of its history. One of its most famous restaurants is the Columbia restaurant, which serves traditional Cuban cuisine.
Another prevalent group in Tampa are people of Greek descent. Although mainly concentrated in Tarpon Springs, Tampa still provides a glimpse into Greek culture.

During the early 1900’s sponge reefs were discovered off of the west coast of Florida. Some common sponge harvesting practices were being used. However, the Greeks pioneered diving techniques to harvest the sponges faster and in greater numbers. Sponge diving is still practiced in the area today.

Much of Greek culture can be found in the many Greek restaurants that dot Tampa and the surrounding suburbs. One of the most famous areas near Tampa, Tarpon Springs, continues the tradition of sponge diving. Regular tours still take visitors out to the gulf to see sponge diving practices that are still used today.

Remember, Tampa’s main cultural elements stem from Cuban and Greek influences. Both cultures were brought to the area due to economic forces, which are still practiced in the area today.

MUSICAL TRANSITION 5 seconds - Show Section Title for Next Section

Part III Sites to see in Tampa (1 minute)

  • Sports
  • Beaches
  • Neighborhoods
  • Museums
  • Summary

SCRIPTED DIALOGUE:
Tampa continues to be a destination spot for beaches, sports, and much more. Tampa boasts many sports teams, ranging from football, baseball, and even hockey! Superbowl 43 was held in Tampa this year, and drew people from all across the country to see the Arizona Cardinals faceoff against the Pittsburg Steelers. However, Tampa’s home team for football is the Buccaneers, which boasts one of the most unique football stadiums in the US.

One of the most famous beaches in the area to visit is Clearwater beach. This stretch of beach is a big destination for spring breakers and snow birds alike. The water in Clearwater is exactly as the town name says, crystal clear. Also, St. Petersburg is very close-by to Tampa. It too is a popular destination spot for spring breakers, but you’ll find people dotted on the beach all year long.
Surprisingly, Tampa is rarely hit by tropical weather, such as hurricanes and tropical storms, which makes beach going an all year event.

Be sure to visit Ybor City and Tarpon Springs if you are in the area to get a taste of Cuban and Greek culture. These areas also boast nightclubs and American restaurants which demonstrate the blending of all of the unique cultures.

Tampa is also home to various museums, including aquariums, zoos, and art museums. One art museum to stop by and see is the Salvador Dali museum. It features much of the famous art work that Dali created, however, there is a fee to enter the museum. If you stop by the local zoo, take a moment to visit the manatees, one of Florida’s most famous creatures. To experience African animals close up, visit Busch Garden’s Tampa for jeep tours. If that isn’t your thing, there are plenty of great rollercoasters to ride as well.

Remember, Tampa boast great places for sports, beaches, culture, and museums. Stop by a football game with the Buccaneers, or soak up the sun in Clearwater beach. Don’t miss Ybor City and Tarpon Springs for a taste of Cuban and Greek culture. Finally, there are many art museums, such as the Salvador Dali museum, and aquariums and zoos to see in Tampa as well.

MUSICAL TRANSITION 5 seconds - Show Section Title for Next Section

Closing and preview of next episode (45 seconds)

  • Summary of episode
  • Ybor City podcast
  • Closing

SCRIPTED DIALOGUE:
Thanks for joining me today! We learned about the history of Tampa from its early beginnings as an American outpost to one of the largest cities in Florida. Cuban and Greek culture helped add to the character and culture of Tampa, and still continues to influence the city. There’s plenty to do, such as see a sporting event, visit a beach, stop by a museum, or enjoy a day at an amusement park. Tampa has everything you’ll want to see – I just hope you booked enough time to see it all!
Be sure to join me next time as we explore the streets of Ybor City! Happy travels!
Check out these helpful resources to learn more about Tampa. All photos and music are covered under creative commons.

MUSICAL ENDING 5 seconds - Show More Resources Slide



Evaluate and Refine


The recording for the audio was evaluated on the following criteria:
· Amount of noise
· Quality of vocals (clear or unclear)
· Speed of speaking
· Any “plosives” during the recording
· Quality of the audio recording for the vocal track match or similar to the quality of the jingle music

The recording for the images was evaluated on the following criteria:

· Clear resolution
· Demonstrates content being explained
· Copy right compliance

While recording the audio file, the original scripting was used that that the content could all be addressed that was originally planned. However, the audio recording ended up being longer than the time allotted for the episode. This required the editing out of content and making sure the gaps of silence between segments were minimized in order to meet the time requirement without sacrificing content or quality. Edits made to the audio primarily consisted of shortening the audio, cutting clips out of the audio, arranging and rearranging audio clips in the track.

For future episodes, the plan is to continue to record content at an estimated time, but create it so that it can be rearranged. Also the content must be editable so that if some of the content needs to be adjusted, you are not losing too much content so that the information becomes incoherent. The music recording will be adjusted during segments so that it does not distract from the narration track.

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