My first ever favourite blogger - Librarian in Black - has just published a new entry about how she keeps up to date with technology and libraries. You can jump to the link here to read about all the methods she uses to keep up. She may very well be crazy, but her knowledge in the field makes her a good blogger.
One of the myriad ways she keeps up is through podcasting. If you go through and read her post, she has a very crummy commute every day - close to 2 hours, each way. So podcasting is ideal for her to fill the time with learning as she drives.
Interestingly, she has a little list of criteria for her list of regulars, which I'll paste here.
So why these podcasts and not others? They have the three winning factors:
1.Good, quality content of interest to me
2.Quality audio content
3.Good production quality (show-pacing, musical interludes, regular show segments, interesting guests, etc.)
I’ve probably tried out two dozen other podcasts, and unsubscribed because they ended (Boagworld, AdaptivePath), the content was uninteresting, the audio quality was so bad and uneven that my head hurt from listening, or the show production quality was laughable.
So dear reader, if you are going to podcast on a regular basis, or if it is going to form an integral part of your course, take the time to find out about how you can produce a good quality recording, with good quality content.
I scripted mine out, but really needed to rehearse a few times before recording, I had inadvertantly created a tongue twister in my original script - "seond set of shelves". Try saying that out loud!
Showing posts with label podcast. Show all posts
Showing posts with label podcast. Show all posts
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Slideshare and Slidecasts
Jeez - don't want to harp on and sound like a broken record, but voice recording sometimes feels unreasonably difficult.
I have recently uploaded a PowerPoint presentation to SlideShare. This is a pretty good site and have been directed to it many times by some of my favourite bloggers who are sharing their presentations from conferences with those who could not attend. Pretty awesome considering that I doubt very much in this current economic climate that work will come at sending me to the US for a conference.
I didn't even realise that I already had an account with them. Actually, truth be told, I really can't remember with who on the Internets I have an account. *shrug* I guess that is a different topic for a different post. :)
So, on to SlideShare. Uploading my pptx was a bit time consuming. In part because I fiddled around with the presentation 3 times trying to 'prettify' it (people could be looking at it y'know), and the other part is that the site converts the file in some way which takes a little bit of time.
I recorded my narration a day or so later - and this, THIS is where the troubles began. I watched the SlideCast on how to create a SlideCast, and it seemed fairly straight forward. Since that was recorded SlideShare have upgraded their site and now have the capacity to host the audio file for you to synch with the slide.
I uploaded the file, nothing happened, tried again, nothing happened - tried a few more times. Don't know who sang this song but this encapsulates what I was doing perfectly.
So please, please tell if you get sound synched with your slide. I want to know how you did it. I don't like being defeated.
Apart from that rant, SlideShare is a good site. Many excellent presentations there, and it is of course a way to share your presentations and possibly get them used by other parties. Students might be encouraged to create slides that are informative and viewable - taking a bit of pride and care in their work (I was using the features in PowerPoint where I could input values for the size and position of the text boxes to get them in same position in for each slide - for a seamless look). For any teachers without an LMS like Moodle, it is a good way to share slides with students who may want them for reference and study purposes.
Anyway, if you want to go and have a look at my presentation, click here for the link.
I have recently uploaded a PowerPoint presentation to SlideShare. This is a pretty good site and have been directed to it many times by some of my favourite bloggers who are sharing their presentations from conferences with those who could not attend. Pretty awesome considering that I doubt very much in this current economic climate that work will come at sending me to the US for a conference.
I didn't even realise that I already had an account with them. Actually, truth be told, I really can't remember with who on the Internets I have an account. *shrug* I guess that is a different topic for a different post. :)
So, on to SlideShare. Uploading my pptx was a bit time consuming. In part because I fiddled around with the presentation 3 times trying to 'prettify' it (people could be looking at it y'know), and the other part is that the site converts the file in some way which takes a little bit of time.
I recorded my narration a day or so later - and this, THIS is where the troubles began. I watched the SlideCast on how to create a SlideCast, and it seemed fairly straight forward. Since that was recorded SlideShare have upgraded their site and now have the capacity to host the audio file for you to synch with the slide.
Definition Of Madness One definition of madness is Doing the same thing over and over For ever and ever Expecting a different result
I tried linking from the Internet Archive - nothing. Went through the help forums and followed their suggestions, which boiled down to something along the lines of 'there is a known problem with IE, try another browser'. So I used IE, Firefox, Safari, Opera and Google Chrome. I also tried three different computers running two different OS's. I think I had a reasonable go at it. I've even logged a job with SlideShare.
So please, please tell if you get sound synched with your slide. I want to know how you did it. I don't like being defeated.
Apart from that rant, SlideShare is a good site. Many excellent presentations there, and it is of course a way to share your presentations and possibly get them used by other parties. Students might be encouraged to create slides that are informative and viewable - taking a bit of pride and care in their work (I was using the features in PowerPoint where I could input values for the size and position of the text boxes to get them in same position in for each slide - for a seamless look). For any teachers without an LMS like Moodle, it is a good way to share slides with students who may want them for reference and study purposes.
Anyway, if you want to go and have a look at my presentation, click here for the link.
Saturday, July 31, 2010
Podcasting, pt 3
Well, now that I've been successful in this particular exercise - establishing an account with a hosting service, recording a podcast and then publishing it - I will say it can be fraught with problems, if you want to do a bitof a decent job of it, as my previous rantries (rant + entry = rantry).
I am sure with a bit of investigation I could have eventually worked out how to do a better recording without resorting to the use of the digital voice recorder.
I also think that I could have just gone with the first recordings I did and uploaded them. However, I also think that dependant on the nature of the recording, the quality of the recording is of some importance. My recording for example is a tour of the library, something we would hope is downloaded multiple times and may be an intitial point of contact for the library and university with a student or parent, so it should sound professional.
A personal short podcast's quality might not matter so much, and dependant on the length of the podcast, a teacher's lesson may be of variable quality - just so long as the quality doesn't detract from the content.
I am quite aware of the growing use of podcasts at university to complement and augment subjects. Whether it is content recorded from a lecture for further reference to students, or to enable distance learning, or original content to be considered as pre-reading for the lecture and tutorial.
I am also quite aware of the use of podcasting in use for assessable material, after all, why would the library possess digital voice recorders? For some students, it is a great way for them to express their creativity as well as complete the assessment.
Really, it is all a win-win situation... as long as the support is there to enable staff and students to use it.
Training and equipment. Both in the recording and uploading, and in the downloading and re-play.
We have had students seeking assistance in downloading podcasts to their MP3 players at the library because they were not adequately shown how to do that.
If a technology shy lecturer came across the initial troubles I had in my efforts, I can't see them following through or revisiting it again.
One last thing to take into account is the location of the people accessing the podcast. Quite a few of our students are in the country, where their Internet access is limited to dial-up, if at all. Many of them are unable to download large files, so keeping files small and accessible is of importance if you are not sure whether your audience is going to comprise those still on poor access to the Internet.
I am sure with a bit of investigation I could have eventually worked out how to do a better recording without resorting to the use of the digital voice recorder.
I also think that I could have just gone with the first recordings I did and uploaded them. However, I also think that dependant on the nature of the recording, the quality of the recording is of some importance. My recording for example is a tour of the library, something we would hope is downloaded multiple times and may be an intitial point of contact for the library and university with a student or parent, so it should sound professional.
A personal short podcast's quality might not matter so much, and dependant on the length of the podcast, a teacher's lesson may be of variable quality - just so long as the quality doesn't detract from the content.
I am quite aware of the growing use of podcasts at university to complement and augment subjects. Whether it is content recorded from a lecture for further reference to students, or to enable distance learning, or original content to be considered as pre-reading for the lecture and tutorial.
I am also quite aware of the use of podcasting in use for assessable material, after all, why would the library possess digital voice recorders? For some students, it is a great way for them to express their creativity as well as complete the assessment.
Really, it is all a win-win situation... as long as the support is there to enable staff and students to use it.
Training and equipment. Both in the recording and uploading, and in the downloading and re-play.
We have had students seeking assistance in downloading podcasts to their MP3 players at the library because they were not adequately shown how to do that.
If a technology shy lecturer came across the initial troubles I had in my efforts, I can't see them following through or revisiting it again.
One last thing to take into account is the location of the people accessing the podcast. Quite a few of our students are in the country, where their Internet access is limited to dial-up, if at all. Many of them are unable to download large files, so keeping files small and accessible is of importance if you are not sure whether your audience is going to comprise those still on poor access to the Internet.
Podcasting pt. 2
When last I left you dear reader, there was a small bout of madness that had taken root in 'Peggy's Adventures in Podcasting', due to an infection of n00b-ishness. Whilst there are still lingering effects of the dread condition, I feel it safe to report that the goal has now been attained, that is to say, there is now a published podcast. \0/
As reported, I did establish an account with Podbean. As also reported, I tried a number of methods to record a podcast with varying results, but always the same element of a loud hiss overlaying the recording. Luckily I had access to MP3 voice recorders through work.
My original plan was to record my podcast at work in an unused meeting room, to lessen the chances of interruption. However, the recorders do not come with battery, so I needed to bring it home anyway, and I'm glad I did.
The recorder comes with an internal mic and a jack to plug in a mic. I decided to record with out a mic, and one with the mic I had previously tried using.
Happily uploading the results was super-easy since there was a USB connector, so it was simply a matter of drag and drop.
Listening to the first recording (sans mic) sounded okay, until I plugged in earphones. *hissssss*
The second recording (with mic) sounded good with and without headphones.
I logged on to PodBean, clicked on the Publish tab, filled in information such as the name of the podcast, description, and tags, attached the MP3 file of the podcast, then clicked on publish.
I should probably add that beforehand I did the barest minimum of personalising the channel with some tags and other information.
As proof of my success here is the link to the UBLibrary podcasting channel.
And just to show off a bit, here is the podcast itself ( I got the embed code from the website)
As reported, I did establish an account with Podbean. As also reported, I tried a number of methods to record a podcast with varying results, but always the same element of a loud hiss overlaying the recording. Luckily I had access to MP3 voice recorders through work.
My original plan was to record my podcast at work in an unused meeting room, to lessen the chances of interruption. However, the recorders do not come with battery, so I needed to bring it home anyway, and I'm glad I did.
The recorder comes with an internal mic and a jack to plug in a mic. I decided to record with out a mic, and one with the mic I had previously tried using.
Happily uploading the results was super-easy since there was a USB connector, so it was simply a matter of drag and drop.
Listening to the first recording (sans mic) sounded okay, until I plugged in earphones. *hissssss*
The second recording (with mic) sounded good with and without headphones.
I logged on to PodBean, clicked on the Publish tab, filled in information such as the name of the podcast, description, and tags, attached the MP3 file of the podcast, then clicked on publish.
I should probably add that beforehand I did the barest minimum of personalising the channel with some tags and other information.
As proof of my success here is the link to the UBLibrary podcasting channel.
And just to show off a bit, here is the podcast itself ( I got the embed code from the website)
Friday, July 30, 2010
Podcasting Pt. 1
OMG - what a n00b!
That is what I've been thinking to myself over the last 24 to 48 hours with this podcasting lark.
This is the first time I've tried my hand at podcasting. I know what it is, but I've never felt like I've had a need to try it out. So read on and laugh, cry, and pound your little fist on the table with me as I recount part one of 'Peggy's Adventures in Podcasting'.
First of all the link on the course did not work - but that is of little concern to a person with access to Google. I just looked for 'free pocasting host' and the search engine did the rest. It was about this time the first of my troubles really began to make themselves known - which are not actually course related, but impacted on my experience. Clicking on links to various podcasting sites, I found that I was being redirected to other websites. At first I thought that I was being obtuse and clicking on the wrong link, but upon trying these links again, I found that I was indeedy being redirected to other websites, every darned time.
A bit of investigation into this it is discovered that I had 'something-wrong-with-my-computer' which involved a full virus scan (which takes fohevah), downloading a malware program - and running that, then downloading AdAware - and running that. It was worth doing, 2 viruses that weren't picked up by the daily scan, 4 things picked up by the malware program, and 187 things picked up by AdAware. So kids, remember to disinfect your computer on a regular basis.
Now, the great naive n00b that I am, I thought that some of these podcasting sites might just record your podcast for you and then upload them. In fact the one I chose, PodBean, certainly seemed to give that impression with their "Easy to publish your podcast in 3 steps. No tech to learn." statement (or maybe it was one of the others - I looked at quite a few of them trying to decide with whom to sign up).
It was at this point I discovered I needed another program to actually RECORD my podcast, save it, then upload it to PodBean. *huff, sigh*
I looked upon the other PC I was using (as my original was being scanned x 3) - nuttin'. Nothing that could record voice. So I do another search, and find Audacity, which seemed to be highly regarded amongst the how-to's. Download that, grab a headset mic that's lurking around, and do a test recording. More nuttin'. Actually I lie, something, but it is very very faint, and very very hissy. It's late now, so try again tomorrow.
Tomorrow. My other computer is now disinfected. It is running Vista (whereas the other was XP) and Vista offers some of its own recording software. I've remembered we actually have a microphone so I get that, thinking I'll get better quality, less hissy sound from it. Nothing. Try again, nothing. Try a different program, nothing. What's happening??? A bit of messing around later, finally get something which is still a bit hissy.
I decide at this point that I-don't-care, and record something. I wrote a script for a virtual library tour. Thought I might do something for work if I'm gonna do something. Part way through, my husband who is playing a game on the XBox in the other room shrieks incoherently at some perceived injustice in the game he's playing. Upon listening to the playback, it comes through quite well.
I record another. This time he starts shouting 'f***, f***, f***' x 3, which once again came through quite clearly.
Take three. This time my son decides to emerge from the cocoon which is his bedroom. In my head I can hear him coming to ask what I'm doing, or shouting about what's for dinner. My anxiety comes through in my voice, and in the recording, so does the sound of the toilet flushing. *SIGH*
Take four - much later. I finally record a better take, but it is still hissy. Jeebus Cripes - I don't have the energy for this anymore. So I use Audacity to edit out a flubbed line. As an aside, I'm lucky enough to have some experience in using video editing software, so it doesn't take too much to drag out those old skills to do a simple cut - but I don't know how other people would cope with that functionality.
Audacity saves it in its own file, and PodBean requires a MP3 file. No problemo - Audacity can save as an MP3. I go to do that and discover... I need to download a file to enable that to happen. *AAAARRGHH -- sigh*
To employ the common parlance - Podcasting sux.
Although I'm sure it will be better once I become accustomed to the process. But right now, getting all of the proverbial dominoes set up is time consuming and frustrating.
Through work I'm going to borrow a digital voice recorder and see if that creates a better quality file.
So until the next installment dear reader, adieu, and good luck with your podcasting endeavours.
Next on 'Peggy's Adventures in Podcasting'
- Using the digital voice recorder.
- Uploading the file to Podbean.
- Working out where the podcast has gone after that for the URL.
- And problems not yet conceived by my little mind!!!
That is what I've been thinking to myself over the last 24 to 48 hours with this podcasting lark.
This is the first time I've tried my hand at podcasting. I know what it is, but I've never felt like I've had a need to try it out. So read on and laugh, cry, and pound your little fist on the table with me as I recount part one of 'Peggy's Adventures in Podcasting'.
First of all the link on the course did not work - but that is of little concern to a person with access to Google. I just looked for 'free pocasting host' and the search engine did the rest. It was about this time the first of my troubles really began to make themselves known - which are not actually course related, but impacted on my experience. Clicking on links to various podcasting sites, I found that I was being redirected to other websites. At first I thought that I was being obtuse and clicking on the wrong link, but upon trying these links again, I found that I was indeedy being redirected to other websites, every darned time.
A bit of investigation into this it is discovered that I had 'something-wrong-with-my-computer' which involved a full virus scan (which takes fohevah), downloading a malware program - and running that, then downloading AdAware - and running that. It was worth doing, 2 viruses that weren't picked up by the daily scan, 4 things picked up by the malware program, and 187 things picked up by AdAware. So kids, remember to disinfect your computer on a regular basis.
Now, the great naive n00b that I am, I thought that some of these podcasting sites might just record your podcast for you and then upload them. In fact the one I chose, PodBean, certainly seemed to give that impression with their "Easy to publish your podcast in 3 steps. No tech to learn." statement (or maybe it was one of the others - I looked at quite a few of them trying to decide with whom to sign up).
It was at this point I discovered I needed another program to actually RECORD my podcast, save it, then upload it to PodBean. *huff, sigh*
I looked upon the other PC I was using (as my original was being scanned x 3) - nuttin'. Nothing that could record voice. So I do another search, and find Audacity, which seemed to be highly regarded amongst the how-to's. Download that, grab a headset mic that's lurking around, and do a test recording. More nuttin'. Actually I lie, something, but it is very very faint, and very very hissy. It's late now, so try again tomorrow.
Tomorrow. My other computer is now disinfected. It is running Vista (whereas the other was XP) and Vista offers some of its own recording software. I've remembered we actually have a microphone so I get that, thinking I'll get better quality, less hissy sound from it. Nothing. Try again, nothing. Try a different program, nothing. What's happening??? A bit of messing around later, finally get something which is still a bit hissy.
I decide at this point that I-don't-care, and record something. I wrote a script for a virtual library tour. Thought I might do something for work if I'm gonna do something. Part way through, my husband who is playing a game on the XBox in the other room shrieks incoherently at some perceived injustice in the game he's playing. Upon listening to the playback, it comes through quite well.
I record another. This time he starts shouting 'f***, f***, f***' x 3, which once again came through quite clearly.
Take three. This time my son decides to emerge from the cocoon which is his bedroom. In my head I can hear him coming to ask what I'm doing, or shouting about what's for dinner. My anxiety comes through in my voice, and in the recording, so does the sound of the toilet flushing. *SIGH*
Take four - much later. I finally record a better take, but it is still hissy. Jeebus Cripes - I don't have the energy for this anymore. So I use Audacity to edit out a flubbed line. As an aside, I'm lucky enough to have some experience in using video editing software, so it doesn't take too much to drag out those old skills to do a simple cut - but I don't know how other people would cope with that functionality.
Audacity saves it in its own file, and PodBean requires a MP3 file. No problemo - Audacity can save as an MP3. I go to do that and discover... I need to download a file to enable that to happen. *AAAARRGHH -- sigh*
To employ the common parlance - Podcasting sux.
Although I'm sure it will be better once I become accustomed to the process. But right now, getting all of the proverbial dominoes set up is time consuming and frustrating.
Through work I'm going to borrow a digital voice recorder and see if that creates a better quality file.
So until the next installment dear reader, adieu, and good luck with your podcasting endeavours.
Next on 'Peggy's Adventures in Podcasting'
- Using the digital voice recorder.
- Uploading the file to Podbean.
- Working out where the podcast has gone after that for the URL.
- And problems not yet conceived by my little mind!!!
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