Podcasts

Podcast-a digital audio or video file or recording, usually part of a themed series that can be downloaded from a website to a media player or computer. (Dictionary.com)

The first time I heard about Podcasts was when I enrolled in my first two classes for my library science master’s program.  I had the opportunity to create a podcast using Soundcloud where I interviewed my son pretending to be a librarian. In addition, one my instructors would use podcasts to instruct us what to do for our assignments.  I can see myself using podcasts in the library to advocate reading to students.  There could be a podcast for students designed for them to share recorded book talks, provide reviews of novels, manga, audiobooks or films.  The librarian could also showcase student’s creative writing where students could make podcasts sharing their essays, poems or short stories.  In addition, podcasts could also be used to inform or explain and serve as a guidance to teachers, students or the community.  I haven’t really seen podcasts used at libraries.  I think a good way to promote it is by using social media like Facebook, twitter, and the school’s newsletter.  It would also be a good idea to provide mini trainings to teachers and students to inform them of what it is and how it could be used.

To create a podcast is easy.  All you need is to make an account using Soundcloud, Podomatic, Audioboom, or GarageBand; a computer and a microphone.

I had the opportunity to use Soundcloud, Podomatic and Audioboom to create my podcasts.  I will briefly explain the podcast and the ease and challenges in using each program.

Soundcloud

Soundcloud allows you to both upload and record your podcast.  I had no problems using it.  If I did a mistake I could redo it again.  However, it doesn’t allow you to add a picture or music. You can play music in the background as you are recording yourself.  It allows you to share it and embed it. You can place it in a playlist.  I ask my 15 year old son, Joey, to create a podcast for me. He is into movies, manga and comic strips.  He did a podcast commenting about what he thought about the Deadpool movie.  Podcasting is a good tool not only to use at a library but also in a classroom.  It came out naturally for him wanting to podcast.  Teachers could definitely use a student’s personal interest in movies like my son to compare and contrast movies, and even talk about the similarities and differences between the comic book and the actual movie.

https://soundcloud.com/slumbreras-1/deadpool

Podomatic

I had no problems creating a Podomatic account.  In the top right corner it has an icon that you can press to create a podcast.  Once you click it, it will guide you step by step to create your podcast.  It allows you to upload and add a picture.  It would have been nice if it allowed me to record from the program.  I had to use my computer recorder to record and then upload the file.  Overall, it was user-friendly and a good tool to use.

The Podcast is about a review my son gave for “Finding Dory”.

https://slumbreras30.podomatic.com

Audioboom

Audioboom is the last podcast program I used.  I had no problems logging in. The program allows you to both record and upload your podcast.  I did not like the recording option. I tried recording myself and my daughter and I could only here static and the voice was not clear.  I had to record my daughter’s voice using the computer recording option to upload it.  The link to the podcast I provided was made by my 4 year old daughter reading one of her favorite books “The Very Hungry Caterpillar”.  At the beginning she was shy but after the second podcast she got more confident.  As I mentioned earlier, a podcast could be used for a book talk or read out loud.  My daughter is four years old and can’t read the book but was able to tell me a story based on the pictures and what she recalled from when I read to her. 

https://audioboom.com/boos/4718447-the-very-hungry-catepillar