Podcast Activity 1

I downloaded and listed to Tech Chicks from the School Library Journal website.

This podcast reviews educational podcasts that are available for students. art history, dance, math, vocabulary, book talk, science podcasts are features in this particular audio file. There are several references to an article in SLJ, which I will definitely be looking for in the archives (Dec 2007). Its amazing how many different, quality podcasts existed in 2007 - let alone today!

The sound of the podcast is very simple and amateur. Which creates a feeling of friendly advice rather than professional production, I like it. It also allows users to realize that podcasts need not be perfect, highly technical pieces, but rather can be made simply as well.

I like that they also include clips from the featured podcasts so that the listener "sees" what they are talking about.

One draw back is that its difficult to remember which podcasts are most appealing. It would really help to have the article to reference and star to remember which sites are most appealing.

Check out Learn Out Loud great site with lots of information (even free stuff!)

Kathy Schrock’s Guide for Educators

http://discoveryschool.com/schrockguide/
©2006. Kathleen Schrock. All rights reserved.
What makes a good podcast?

When you listen to a podcast, or when you are making your own, think about these qualities of a well-done podcast.

Your name: Mrs. F.
Date: May 4, 2010
Title of podcast: Tech Chicks: Listen Up!
Feed URL (or URL) of podcast: http://www.schoollibraryjournal.com/index.asp?layout=audiocastPlayer&element_id=2140133103&industryid=47162

Creator of podcast: Anna Adam and Helen Mowers

	YES	NO	N/A
1. Did the podcast include content that was useful / relevant for your purpose?	X
2. Were the technical qualities (audio, slides, etc.) acceptable in the production?	X
3. Was a written transcript of the podcast available?		X
4. Was the podcast linked from a site which included subject tags?	X
5. Was the podcast linked from a site which included links to other resources?	X
6. Did the podcast adhere to the copyright guidelines in its use of music, pictures, etc.?	X
7. Was the length of the podcast appropriate for its content? (20 min. or less)	X
8. Was the podcast part of a regularly scheduled series?	X
9. Did the subjects in the podcast have “personality” to keep you interested?	X
10. Did the podcast flow smoothly (introduction, content, summary)?	X
11. Was it obvious how to add the podcast feed to your aggregator? (RSS)		X
12. If the item was an enhanced podcast, did the use of slides enhance the content?			X
13. If the item was an enhanced podcast, was it available in various file formats to allow viewing on various hardware devices?			X