podcasting

//Audio-recording and disseminating knowledge//
 * Podcasting**


 * What it is**

Podcasts are digitally recorded audiofiles that can be shared with colleagues and external partners and stakeholders.


 * When to use it**

- to accommodate different communication styles and needs - to share interviews or debates - to overcome literacy problems or visual disabilities


 * How it is applied**

The following are a few suggestions for different types of podcasts: - Record lectures and add and revise material about important concepts - Real-world or live settings, such as debates, important meetings (e.g. all staff meetings) or expert interviews - Document discussions with the voices and stories of participants - Replace written articles by podcasts - Record summaries of experts’ lectures after a live session

Methodological instructions

Podcasting guidelines generally suggest a three phased approach: 1. Introduction. Brief introduction of the guest speaker, motivational encouragement, announcing news items or telling an introduction story. 2. Core content. Explore previous knowledge on the issue, discuss the key aspects of the topic, address potential questions from listeners, and link current podcast to future content. 3. Conclusion. Final story, mention suggestions or wrap up with a series of challenging questions.


 * What to consider**

• Make sure to set aside sufficient time for preparation (research, formulating questions, testing technology, etc.) • Prepare a script, but speak in a conversational tone • Test the technology and prepare with a short practice podcast • Record in a quiet environment to minimize background noise • Close all applications that make noise (for example, turn off Skype sounds) and avoid typing or mouse-clicking • Position the microphone to the side of your mouth • Speak clearly and at a pace that suits your audience • Beware of “ummms”, silences longer than 3 seconds, breathing sounds and popping (“p”s and “b”s) • Make the podcast short and lively (aim for about 7 minutes), not a lengthy monologue • Include a brief descriptive text when uploading the podcast to your website, blog, wiki, etc. • Like blogs, podcasts can be a great vehicle to share good practices, tips, or the latest updates on a topic • Do not duplicate content that is available elsewhere (lecture notes, textbooks), except to summarize difficult or important concepts • Podcasts can be used as pre-training listening material • Use playful approaches, such as for example simulating a radio show lasting 3 to 5 minutes

**What you will need ** • A computer and a microphone • The free Pamela plug-in from Skype can record audio files of up to 15 minutes: https://extras.skype.com/2350/view • Use open-source software like Audacity to edit (http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ ) • An MP3 device or computer with which to listen to the podcast

• The UNICEF Podcast is a global radio service that focuses on health, education, equality and child protection. [] • The Division for the Advancement of Women used a podcast to launch an on-line discussion to promote an event: http://tinyurl.com/28lljab • All staff meetings at OHCHR are often made available as podcasts on the Intranet
 * Examples:**

• ITCILO blog: http://tinyurl.com/3yqyntz • G. Salmon’s guidelines for “profcasting”: http://tinyurl.com/3yvhy6a • G. Salmon’s pedagogical models for podcasts: http://tinyurl.com/37keul6 • Case study and best practice: http://tinyurl.com/35kngd • Principles and pedagogy: http://tinyurl.com/35xf4es • Video tutorials: EasyPod http://tinyurl.com/2w9n8rx Audacity http://tinyurl.com/3ys8e69 and How to use Skype to podcast http://tinyurl.com/2ut4lj4
 * Where to learn more?**