Multimedia+Publishing+SP2012

Podcasting, Video and Screencasting, Live Streaming
There has been incredible growth in the creation, publication, and distribution of audio and video sites. Youtube, Google Video, Netflix, and Podcasts are changing the ways that technology users engage with information, current events, educational material, popular culture, and media. This expansion of information sharing through Web 2.0 is primarily a result of accessibility to the internet and accessibility to audio/video recording/editing technologies. In //Blogs, Wikis, Podcasts and Other Powerful Web Tools for Classrooms,// Will Richardson asserts that the current state of editing and viewing multimedia publishing is "more efficient and enjoyable, and it has pushed streaming of content further into the realm of live performance" (112). As a result, these new forms of technology offer significant and useful methods for teachers to expand the bounds of the traditional classroom.

Benefits:
 * //Accessibility of recording technologies//. Currently, any technologically literate user with an iPod and a very basic computer has the ability to create and distribute audio and video files to a wide audience.
 * //Usability of files//. Individual users can stream podcasts and screencasts online or download them to a mobile device. Similarly, live streaming files are very easy to access online.
 * //Incredible variety of files//. Larger news organizations, businesses, and individual users can easily create podcasts, screencasts, and live streaming. As a result, this technology is very democratized.
 * //Ease of consumption//. Not only are there few barriers for the creation of this media, but the accessibility to published media is widespread. An individual can sign up for subscriptions or RSS alerts for most of these files.
 * //Audience//. Some students feel more motivated by the potential of a broad audience. These products would not only be seen by teachers and peers, but also by parents, grandparents, and an immense global community.
 * //Promotes creativity as well as enriched learning inside and outside of the classroom//. Student podcasts are made by students, for students. As a result, podcasts can be used as a media space for students to make their voices and talents heard. They can make their own songs to accompany the class podcast, write stories related to the class podcast theme, or record segments while not in the classroom.
 * //Editing//. It is easy to use programs like Audacity to edit your material. Teachers and students can delete "ums" and "ohs" in seconds. The software mimics video editing software, allowing editors to add background tracks and other sounds to make podcasts stand out while sounding professional.

Drawbacks:
 * //Inextricable link to Apple//. Podcasts are primarily accessed through iTunes and played on iPods. For better or worse, podcasts will always be connected to the world of Apple. Similarly, most screencasts are accessed through Youtube.
 * //Production value is low//. Many of these files are made by amateurs and they sound like it.
 * //Privacy issues//. As with most of the read-write web, issues about content can be very tricky--particularly in the public school setting. The ease of publication brings about concerns with what information is shared and who is sharing it.
 * //Accessibility//. While recording and listening devices are much more accessible today, it would be a major mistake to assume universal access. Some users simply do not have access to computers or mobile devices to produce or consume this information.
 * //User-friendliness//. The podcasting system is easy but requires many steps. The entire process can be daunting to users, especially users who are less comfortable with Web 2.0 technologies. While all of these tools have incredible potential, some users do not have the skills necessary to begin the process, which may inhibit users concerned with production value and functionality.

=Podcasting= A **podcast** (derived from "broadcast" and "iPod") is a type of audio/video media distributed through the internet. Usually, podcasts are presented in individual episodes. Richardson claims that "podcasting is the creation and distribution of amateur radio" (112). To create a basic podcast, an individual user needs: a digital audio recorder, online space to host the file, a blog, and some kind of content to distribute.

Resources:
 * [|Howstuffworks.com] has created a step-by-step guide for creating podcasts
 * [|iTunes Store] has a specific category for Educational podcasts K-12. After downloading iTunes, select Education-->More Education-->K-12.
 * [|Education Podcast Network] catalogs podcasts created by and for students.
 * [|CCMixter.org] has a large library of free music in the public domain that can be used for podcasts.
 * [|Audacity] provides a free program for editing audio files.
 * This American Life is a podcast that, while not directed specifically toward the classroom, could be a great point of intervention for podcast technology in the classroom. These podcasts would be great to listen to in class, prompting discussion about content, technique, and educational value. The organization, intellect, and editing quality of these podcasts are professional grade.
 * [|Podcasting in the Classroom] has tips for teachers about podcasting in the classroom.

Teaching Ideas:
 * Create a classroom radio station
 * Allow students to learn technology and content simultaneously--let tasks/duties be rotated so students can engage with podcast creation and the content being shared.
 * Listen to podcasts in class. This is an excellent opportunity to make cultural, geographical, and linguistic connections with others on a global scale.
 * Help students create and broadcast poetry readings, oral histories, historical tours, etc.
 * Projects and other speech related tasks that can be replayed for students (audio-recorded peer-to-peer reflections, teacher-recorded critiques for assignments).

= Screencasting = Much like a podcast, A **screencast** is a recording of what is happening on a computer screen, usually accompanied by audio narration. Essentially, a screencast is like a narrated digital slideshow published online.

Resources:
 * [|The Flipped Classroom Model] an interesting news article about "flipped classrooms", classrooms in which students watch their teachers' pre-made screencasts before coming to class as a replacement for classroom lectures. Then, the next day in class, students are responsible for applying what they learned from the screencast in discussion. Proponents of this classroom model believe that class periods become more valuable because students are given more time to reflect on what they have learned.
 * [|John Udell] created a compelling screencast about Wikipedia.
 * [|Jing] is a user-friendly tool for creating screencasts.
 * [|Michael Wesch] created a screencast about Web 2.0 and individual identity.
 * [|Smartboard] provides a user-friendly resource and guide for implementing screencasting technology on smart boards. The software has video screen recording capibilities that can capture student work or assist in making a tutorial.

Teaching Ideas:
 * Create training videos for peers and students.
 * Record a lecture or lesson that could be used by a substitute.
 * Students can narrate stories and create visual images to enhance the final product. The creation of an outline or a script for the screencast can make the audio-video combination seems less difficult for students.
 * Collaborate with art teachers for projects that connect classrooms.

Live Streaming
With **live streaming** video on the web, teachers and students can create their own "TV shows." This technology usually employs both audio and video to record an educational lesson and is published through a web-host online. Ultimately, live-streaming allows teachers and students to publish their videos online for a broad audience.

Resources:
 * [|Ustream.tv] is a free site that creates and hosts your live streams. It also allows users to create their own channels.
 * [|Bill Chamberlain] streams his class whenever it is in session.
 * [|CamTwist] is another free site that helps with producing quality, multimedia live streaming files.

Teaching Ideas:
 * School plays and musicals can be broadcast online to a wide audience.
 * Students can record science presentations and experiments to share with parents, peers, and other schools.
 * Student-run news broadcasts can be made accessible to a wider audience.
 * Live teacher professional development for a wide audience to promote collaboration within and among school districts.
 * Conference workshops and presentations free for people who cannot attend to enhance professional development in an affordable way.
 * Allows for more communication and visibility with parents and student bodies.