Introduction to Podcasting for Students

What is a podcast?

A podcast is a collection of digital media files which is distributed over the Internet using syndication feeds for playback on portable media players and personal computers. The term, like "radio", can refer either to the content itself or to the method by which it is syndicated; the latter is also termed podcasting. The host or author of a podcast is often called a podcaster.

Podcasts are basically like radio shows from the "old days" only they are found on the internet.

Where can podcasts be found?
These websites and software programs offer many podcasts for your listening interests.

• PodcastAlley.com: A podcast lover's dream. Includes the very useful Top Ten Podcasts of the Month (as voted by listeners).
• Podcast.net: Podcasts here are categorized by tags; thousands of podcasts in a plethora of subjects are available for free download.
• NPR Podcast Directory: Not a ton of podcasts here, but it's NPR, come on! Quality podcasts in a subject directory format.
• PodcastBunker: Their motto is "quality, not quantity" and boy, they're not kidding. One of the best places to find podcasts on the web.

In addition, you can find quality podcast directories at PublicRadioFan, Weblogs.com, and of course, the always excellent Apple iTunes podcast directory.

Are there free programs that can help me produce a podcast?
Yes! Audacity is a free audio editing program which you can use to record yourself speaking or performing. You can add effects to the audio files you create. To really jazz up your audio creations, you can use Sony Acid
.