CalSTAT and The Special EDge Podcasts
What is podcasting?
Podcasting is the distribution of audio or video files, such as radio programs or music videos, over the Internet using either RSS or Atom syndication.
A podcast is a Web feed of audio or video files placed on the Internet for anyone to download or subscribe.
What makes a podcast different from other audio that I download from the Internet?
In general, there’s no difference between the audio files themselves. What’s different is the addition of special computer code called RSS that tells your iTunes or iPodder software that a new episode of your favorite program is available and where the new audio file can be found.
When the RSS file contains new information, your computer will follow the instructions to find the new audio file. This is completely automatic. You can simply tell your software to check for updates.
The advantage of subscribing to a podcast is that it saves you the trouble of manually checking CalSTAT's website for new podcasts.
If you do not want to subscribe to the podcast, CalSTAT will also make the audio files available for listening on the Web. Check the podcast home page for new audio files.
Do I have to have a portable audio player to listen to podcasts?
No. You can listen to podcasts on your computer. The audio files are stored on your hard drive. However, you can transfer the files to your portable player so you can listen when you like … where you like!
What can I expect from CalSTAT's podcasts?
CalSTAT is offering two podcasts, The Special EDge newsletter podcast and the Leadership Institute Community podcast.
The Special EDge podcast supports CalSTAT's triennial newsletter. As each issue is published, the podcasts will feature select newsletter articles. In addition, the podcasts will offer taped interviews with educational leaders from across California.
CalSTAT's Leadership Institute Community podcast provides information of interest to both general and special education teachers and administrators, as well as service providers. This podcast also supports topics addressed at the CalSTAT Leadership Institutes. These podcasts cover many forums, including taped keynote speeches from past events and presentations by experts in response to questions submitted by the leadership institute community.
All podcasts are accompanied by free, downloadable transcripts. Occasionally, other supporting documents, such as charts or PowerPoint presentations, will also be available for free download. The transcripts and supporting documents are available at the podcast home page.
How do I subscribe?
You need software capable of subscribing to a podcast.
Two free options are:
• iTunes
• iPodder
In iTunes, click on "Advanced" in the menu bar. Then click
on
“Subscribe to Podcast …”
In iPodder, click on the green “+” icon to add subscriptions.
In both programs, a box will appear asking for the “URL,” or Web address, of the podcast. Paste in the following URL, http://calstat.org/podcasts/calstat.xml
That’s all there is to it!
Once you’ve subscribed, your computer will automatically download the podcasts from CalSTAT. Listen to them on your computer or transfer them to a portable player. The choice is yours.
For more information about podcasts, go to:
www.podcast.net
www.apple.com/itunes/podcasts
www.ipodder.org
www.podcastalley.com