What is Podcast?
Podcast
Podcast is a special case of RSS Feed, which can deliver audio files to the student’s PCs or MP3 players. These audio files are usually classroom audio recordings, which can be reviewed of the class material for use on homework
The instructor orders the service, and provides the courses that will be podcast. The library staff is responsible for adding these courses, and initiating the service. Instructors could get into the web interface to edit his courses and upload the classroom audio recordings. Podcast staff will be convert the audio files to streaming files, and generate xml files on the RSS Server in order to enable students download or play the classroom audio recordings on podcast web pages.
How to receive classroom audio recordings
Podcast is a service that enable receiving in many different methods, downloading, stream online playing, and automatically podcasting.
Downloading: One of the simplest ways to receive the class audio recording is to go to the podcast course list web page, and download the MP3 files of a lecture you want to listen or review. Students can save the audio files to their PCs, and play the MP3 files in a proper time.
Stream Playing: The class audio recordings are also converted to the streaming media file and stored on the media server. When students want to play audio files online, they can simply click the link if there is a windows media player or other media player installed on the PC. Windows media player will play the MP3 file right way. This way enable students play the classroom audio recordings on the computers that can access the material from any PCs, laptops without downloading.
Podcasting: This is a core service of podcast. Students do not need to worry about checking the website for new updates. Students install free client software, such as Apple iTunes, iPodder, jPodder, and other RSS aggregators, on their computers, and subscribe to interested course audio recordings. The new classroom audio recordings will be automatically downloaded into the student’s computers as soon as a new audio file becomes available
Features of Podcast
Podcasts are RSS feeds with a special enclosure filed in the item object. As soon as you subscribe the podcasts from a client RSS aggregator, such as iTunes, The new podcasts will automatically be downloaded to your computer. So you can listen or review the lectures in your own pace. Podcasts are different from Streaming media file. Streaming data is delivered in real time over the Internet to your streaming media player and it can not be downloaded to your computer. Podcasts can be downloaded and transferred to an iPod or whatever compatible personal listening device. So you would be able to play the MP3 file offline or on the roads.
For subscribing podcasts, you can click the link of “XML” or “RSS” link to get the Internet address of a podcast, and then use iTunes or other RSS aggregators to add your podcast channels. Click the link below to see how to set up the daily podcast using iTunes.