Dan Fergus Design > Student
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Schedule > Podcast Project
Podcast
A podcast is an MP3 audio file uploaded to a web server along with an RSS
file. The RSS file makes it possible for listeners to subscribe to podcasts
using one of several podcatching software or podcatchers like Doppler,
iTunes, and Windows Media Player.
One can either listen to a podcast on a computer using one of the podcatchers,
or on an MP3 player—like an iPod (thus the name "podcast").
Assignment
Create a podcast of your own.
Procedure
- Choose a topic for your podcast. Some podcasts are informational,
others are more like op-ed pieces, still others are like mini talk-shows.
If you've never heard one, check out Podcast.net or
the iTunes
podcast directory.
For your podcast, you could choose to speak about a topic that interests
you, or maybe you could interview someone, or even record a discussion.
- Prepare a script for your show. It doesn't have to be word-for word; it could be just a general outline of topics and bullet points to be discussed, or if your podcast is to be an interview, the script could consist of the introduction, conclusion and questions you plan to ask your guest. Get my approval on the script.
- Record your "show." I will set up our sound mixer & microphones week 9 so that you can record. If you miss the recording session, you will have to record your podcast some other way (Mac Powerbooks have built-in microphones that you can
use; you can record through Garage
Band or Audacity). For this project let's
keep the shows short—three to five minutes.
- Edit your show with Garage Band, Final Cut and/or Audacity. You can add
theme music if you like (see the Garage
Band tutorial for more info).
- Convert your file to an mp3 using iTunes. Under Preferences, choose Advanced
> Importing. Make sure the encoder ("Import Using") is set to MP3
Encoder.
- Create an RSS feed. An RSS feed is simply an XML document (which is a lot
like an html document) that is uploaded to your server (usually on the main—root
level). The structure of the document is very important—there are a number
of required tags. Click here to get see an example with explanations.
In addition, here is a detailed
tutorial on creating an RSS feed which I have found quite helpful.
- Upload podcast mp3 and xml feed to the server. Create a link on your home page to "Podcast," and link it to the XML file.
Deadline
Last day of class.
Examples
Here are some podcasts created by previous students.
More Information