Podcasts

Podcasts are like personalized radio stations for today's generation. The fact that podcasts can offer an array of information or just be used as a platform for those who want to voice their opinions, ideas, or for librarians to promote literacy is amazing! Podcasts rely on the listeners' imaginations as they have no screens for visuals like a television show does!

Librarians can use podcasts to promote books, perhaps even do a weekly or monthly book review or even create an online book club and have podcasts on the selected book; that would be a great way for teacher-librarians to use podcasts as an educational tool. Moreover, a librarian can create podcasts promoting the library, informational podcasts, how to search the library catalog for a book, to promote Reading Events, or even teach students how to create one for their classes! 

When creating podcasts as a librarian, always make sure to follow your school district's school policy and be in accordance with the American Library Association regulations.

There are so many features that I like about podcasts, the fact that they can be used for educational purposes is by far the best. Also, the personalized touch of content is great, as you can create the content exclusively for your purpose, lessons, review, topic or opinion. 

In addition, podcasts are growing in popularity, and new teacher-librarians can easily create them, as many are free and easy to download or subscribe too. Soundcloud, Audioboo, and Podomatic were all fairly easy to sign up for, I just created a user profile and provided my email address.

Some challenges that can occur with podcasts are that you need to set up a routine for your listeners, versus having it a sporadic times. It is important to set a timeline, will you be creating podcasts daily, weekly, bimonthly or monthly? The length of your podcasts also has to be set in accordance with your target audience and demographics. Being an effective pod-caster takes some work, so be ready to work hard to establish an effective routine based on your goals and objectives. 





This program was very easy to set up, I created a basic account and was able to publish my podcast with ease. There are five simple steps to follow when creating your podcast using Podomatic:
1. Select the media for your episode (then proceed to upload your file, the length of your file will determine the waiting period).
2. Enter a title and description (make sure to have a good title that will attract your targeted audience)
3. Add an image (this is optional, but you can upload a picture that is related to your podcast)
4. Choose a quality level (there are three quality levels to choose from, so it is up to you)
5. Publish! You can choose to make it private or public.
All in all, I would rate it at a beginner level in user-friendly usability, this program was fairly easy to use.

Below is the link to my podcast using Podomatic:
https://www.podomatic.com/podcasts/cmontes/episodes/2018-11-17T19_44_22-08_00

To subscribe to this program was easy, I just signed up for it, and created a user profile. There are three different options for those seeking to create a podcast, two of them have a fee. Also, I found it easier to use on my Iphone versus my laptop, since the features and layout is much more user-friendly on the phone. AudioBoom has a sidebar from which you can go to your home screen, your radio, downloads, follows, playlist, and settings. To create a post you go through your profile and then do your recording and then upload to publish your podcast. This program took fairly long it took about 5 minutes to completely upload my file versus Podomatic which did it like in 10 seconds and Soundcloud took like 3 seconds to upload the audio. You also have the option to share your podcast, copy the link or URL address as well. Overall, I would rate it at am intermediate level in user-friendly usability. 

Below is the link to my podcast using AudioBoo:
https://audioboom.com/boos/7090522

The layout of the website for Soundcloud makes it easy for the user to access its features with ease. On the top information bar it has its options: Home, Collection, Try Pro, or upload your file. Once you click on upload it gives you the option to upload your file, you then name and describe your podcast, upload and then simply publish-you can choose to make it public if you want. For the most part, Soundcloud is easy to navigate, I think it is geared to intermediate level users, podomatic was the most easiest to navigate.

Below is the link to my podcast using Soundcloud: https://soundcloud.com/cristal-montes-577943825/podcast-lesson-on-the-elements-of-fiction-by-cristal-montes


I used all three programs and uploaded my podcasts to all three, so that I could effectively evaluate which of the three would be the easiest to navigate. I chose Soundcloud as the best option for my podcast, it is the most well known programs out there; students are more likely to already be familiar with it so it will be easier to capture their interest. I have used Soundcloud before, so I was able to use it with great ease and publish my podcast within seconds!

Finding educational podcasts is very easy to do, you can search with in Soundcloud, Podomatic, and AudioBoo or simply do an internet search and you will find an array of educational podcasts that you can subscribe to and listen to them!

Ted Talks Daily podcasts brings you the latest information, it is accessible through Apple podcasts, Google play and RadioPublic. 
https://www.ted.com/read/ted-podcasts

A great podcast is Hardcore History: each episode is done by Dan Carlin and provides information and quality research. You can find this podcast in https://www.dancarlin.com/hardcore-history-series/

The Cult of Pedagogy Podcast By Jennifer Gonzalez

This is a great podcast in which educators, administrators, students and the community can discuss and learn. You can find this podcast in https://itunes.apple.com/us/podcast/the-cult-of-pedagogy-podcast/id900015782?mt=2