What is Podcasting?
According to Wikipedia podcasting is defined as the
distribution of audio or video files, such as radio programs or music
videos, over the Internet using either RSS or Atom syndication for
listening on mobile devices and personal computers. A podcast is a web
feed of audio or video files placed on the Internet for anyone to
download or subscribe. Podcasters’ websites also may offer direct
download of their files, but the subscription feed of automatically
delivered new content is what distinguishes a podcast from a simple
download or real-time streaming. Usually, the podcast features one type
of “show” with new episodes either sporadically or at planned intervals
such as daily, weekly, etc. Additionally there are podcast networks that
feature multiple shows on the same feed.
What is iTunes University?
According to Apple.com iTunes U is a free, hosted
service for colleges and universities that provides easy access to your
educational content, including lectures and interviews 24 hours a day, 7
days a week. Through iTunes U, users can download content to their
computers or portable mp3 players. Faculty may record their classroom
lectures and post these at iTunes U. For more information about iTunes U
visit the official
iTunes
site.
How and why did Villanova become involved in
iTunes University?
Members of the Center for Instructional Technologies are
always on the lookout for new methods of using technology to enhance the
educational experience of students and to provide a means for faculty
wishing to incorporate technology into the classroom. To that end it was
determined that podcasting is an up and coming technology with potential
not only in the classroom, but for reaching out to alumni and other
Villanova community members. In the spring of 2006 a team comprised of
individuals from various areas within UNIT began to explore the
possibility of applying to become part of iTunes U. The process resulted
in the acceptance of Villanova into the iTunes U program.
Do I need an iPod in order to listen to the
podcasts?
No you do not need an iPod to listen to audio recordings
placed in Villanova’s iTunes University. Any mp3 device as well as any
MAC or PC can be used for your listening pleasure. You can even burn
audio recordings to a cd rom. Generally the audio recordings will be in
an mp3 formated file which is a standard audio format. Podcasts may even
be burned to a cd for listening away from campus.
Do I need special iTunes software on my computer
to listen to the podcasts?
Yes, you will need to have the iTunes software on your
computer in order to subscribe to podcasts. With the software you will
have the ability to subscribe both to Villanova specific podcasts as
well as to podcasts from other universities and other sources such a
major news outlets or public radio stations.
How do you podcast?
Podcast basics include using a portable recording device
with a mic in conjunction with software to convert the recorded file
into an .mp3 formatted file. MP3 is the most commonly formatted audio
file type for podcasting.
Can I podcast my class?
Yes, you may podcast your class. Begin by contacting CIT
either at 610-519-5777 or cit@villanova.edu to make arrangements to
borrow a digital voice recorder and microphone. Additional instructions
will be provided to you.
What are the benefits of podcasting?
Podcasting allows for portability of classroom lectures.
Students can review them while working out or commuting to and from
campus. Knowing the lecture will be available to them after class, the
students can pay closer attention in class without having to worry if
they miss some notes because they will be able to listen to it again.
Students with a preference for the auditory learning style will benefit
from such recordings.
Why would students come to class if they can just
download the lectures?
In the March 2006 issue of Campus Technology Magazine
there is a terrific article looking at case scenarios from three
different colleges which asks this question of students. To see their
answers read the archived article at http://www.campustechnology.com/article.asp?id=18001.
Who has access to my class recorded lectures?
Recorded class lectures will be available as podcasts
only to students currently enrolled in the course. There will be a link
provided within the Vista software to the podcasts.
What is an RSS Feed?
According to Wikipedia RSS is a family of web feed
formats, specified in XML and used for Web syndication. RSS is used by
(among other things) news Web sites, weblogs and podcasting. The
abbreviation is variously used to refer to the following standards:
- Really Simple Syndication (RSS 2.0)
- Rich Site
Summary (RSS 0.91, RSS 1.0)
- RDF Site Summary (RSS 0.9 and 1.0)
Web feeds provide web content or summaries of web
content together with links to the full versions of the content, and
other metadata. RSS, in particular, delivers this information as an XML
file called an RSS feed, webfeed, RSS stream, or RSS channel. In
addition to facilitating syndication, web feeds allow a website's
frequent readers to track updates on the site using an aggregator.
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