Podcasts

Podcasts:

Podcasts is growing in popularity.  Podcasts can be used for instruction and learning.  People are tuning into podcasts because they are accessible.  Podcasts are versatile, it's different.  I understand that some students are not readers and so Podcasts are an alternative to reading, where the audience listens to episodes rather than read on the information.  Listeners can multitask and listen to podcasts while driving, brushing their hair or even cooking.  It allows them to gain information without having to pick up materials.  It's also a great alternative to writing assignments.  Students are able to discuss and share ideas and publish those ideas using a Podcast.

Podcasts in the library:

Podcasts is a tool for students to use to learn and to synthesize their learning.  Students can strengthen their skills in research, collaborate with others and tell stories.  Ways in which students can use Podcasts in the library:

• Students can share book reviews
• Audio diaries
• They can create read-aloud on books
• They can create speeches as part of their presentations
• Students can replay information
• Story telling
• Public Service Announcements on Fair use

Educational podcasts are easy to find.  For example:

Common Sense Media has 19 learning Podcasts for students:

Link: Common Sense Media

We Are Teachers has 26 Podcasts for students in Elementary, Middle School and High School.

Link:  We Are Teachers

Cult of Pedagogy has 8 great educational podcasts for kids.

Link: Cult of Pedagogy

Podcasts Critique:

I had previously used podcast using PodBean.  I was new to SoundCloud and Audioboom.  I was able to upload the mp3 of the group's recording on two of the three Podcasts platforms to be compared.

Verdict:

Perhaps because I have previously used PodBean, I'm more inclined to prefer PodBean.  I found it was easy to use, I am able to upload episodes, up to ten free hours.  The platform is simple and not very busy, thus making easy for the user to find what they need rather quickly.  However, based on my exploration, I feel that SoundCloud is actually really good and visually appealing.  However, as stated before I do prefer PodBean.

PodBean:

Link:  The Process of Weeding Materials-PodBean

I have done a podcast before and I have used PodBean for the podcasts.

Pros:

• It's free
• Live streaming
• Many podcasts available for listening
• Distribution to all major apps
• Supports publishing to all major podcasting platforms
• Lets you interact with fans
• Listeners or guests could call-in while live streaming
• Easy to use

Cons:

• Limited space on free subscription (up to 10 hours of episodes)
• Monthly charge
• Basic Plan - Free
• Podcast starter 
• Unlimited Audio Plan - $9.99 a month
• Unlimited audio
• Unlimited Plus Plan - $29.00 a month
• Business Plan - $99.00 a month
• Few templates

SoundCloud:  

Link:  The Process of Weeding Materials - SoundCloud

SoundCloud required you to log in to a free trial.  SoundCloud is not strictly for podcasts  and is considered to be mostly a streaming platform, although, it can be used for podcasts.

Pros:

• It's a social platform
• Listeners can download episodes
• Music or podcasts 
• It's free, up to 3 hours of episodes
• Super easy to use
• Has many songs to stream from
• It has many genres 

Cons:

• I don't think there are many cons to SoundCloud.  It's actually very good.
• Cost.
• Basic plan starts at $4.99 a month
• Pro plan starts at $9.99 a month
• No editing tools

Audioboom:

I was not actually able to try Audioboom as you actually have to pay to upload an episode.  However, I did some research and found the following information.

Pros:

• There is a lot of content and features
• provides tools once episode plays 10K times
• Embedded player with social media integration.
• Analytics broken down by geographic region, app and device
• Unlimited episode uploads

Cons:

• Only accessible with paid subscriptions
• Standard plan - $9.99 month
• Plus plan - $19.99 month
• Limited search features
• privacy controls can be frustrating