AudioBoo

(http://audioboo.fm),

Podcasting is a great technology to use to share audio files with others. Librarians and teachers can use podcasting to differentiate instruction and to provide resources to students in their preferred learning platforms. Some teacher uses of podcasting include:

· Study guides or notes to students who benefit from hearing information · Announcements about upcoming events · Short directions on how to do various educational activities · News to parents and community members

Student podcasters can:

· Share their short stories and poetry · Give directions about how to accomplish a task · Reflect on their learning as part of the assessment of a project · Create a mosaic of comments about a joint project · Share memories about a field trip or other special event · Read selections from a book and create audio book trailers · Collaborate with students in other schools and even internationally · Share music and singing they have created · Create oral histories and other interviews · Hold storytelling events that are recorded for later sharing · Record chats with authors · Practice how to successfully interview for a job · Create mock interviews with students assuming the role of various historical figures

This website allows users to upload up to five minutes of audio or 50 MB of data. The podcast is available on the public Internet and available for anyone to hear. Users can record their podcast from the Audioboo website (http://audioboo.fm), from an Audiobook app in their cell phones, or in an audio recording applications, where the saved file can be uploaded to Audioboo later.


 * 1) Watch the short video intro at the Audioboo website (http://audioboo.fm)
 * 2) Create your Audioboo account.
 * 3) Prepare your podcast script to describe some aspect of your library program.
 * 4) Record the podcast and wait for the website to process it. If desired, add a picture of your library and its location. The first time you use Audioboo, you may be prompted to download a Java script.
 * 5) Once the podcast is compressed and ready for the public listening, copy the html code and embed the player into your new library wiki.
 * 6) Although it is not necessary for this activity, if you would like to extend your experience and leverage the social aspects of Audioboo, link your account to your Twitter and Facebook accounts, so that your friends and followers know when you have uploaded a new podcast. If you would like to further share with others how to hear your new podcasts, you can get the iTunes link and RSS feed URL from "Your boos" page.
 * 7) If you decide to introduce podcasting with students, use an account that you have created for your library program where you retain the password. Do not allow students to use their last names or personal identifying information as part of basic Internet safety protocol. Adhere to the CPS Acceptable Use Policy.
 * 8) Explore creating edited and more polished podcasts by using GarageBand for Apple (publish to iTunes) or Audacity for PCs.

There are many great educational benefits to podcasting and it is another great technology to place into your repertoire of tools. Audioboo is extremely easy to use. If you decide to podcast frequently and exceed your free storage space, you may want to purchase additional space. Some other podcasting sites to investigate include Podbean.com, PodOmatic, and MyPodcast.com. Enjoy using podcasting as a part of your library program.