Audio and Video Tools

 

 

Podcasting as an Audio Tool

Podcasts are digital files that an individual records and makes available for downloading or listening (MasterClass, 2021).

Benefits

Podcasting for educational purposes has several benefits. Reading and watching materials needs a person’s full attention. With podcasting, a person can do it alongside another activity. For example, a person who travels for work can listen a podcast while driving or a student can listen to a lecture while riding home on a bus. People who own a mobile device can access podcasts anytime and anywhere. Podcasting is helpful to those who have difficulty reading due to mental and visual impairments such as Dyslexia. Podcasting is a great tool for teachers and students absences because the recorded information can be downloaded during those times of unavailability so that teaching and learning to not get behind (Gray, 2021).

Another benefit of podcasts when using it for employee training is that podcasts are easy and inexpensive to create and can save on employee training costs for businesses (Weobong, 2020).

Elements for a Podcast

The elements of a podcast start by identifying a central idea. Is your podcast for entertainment, for informational purposes, or for advice? Next, focus on your audience. Who are you making this podcast for? Do you want to attract customers or do you want find individuals with similar interests as yourself? Then think of a name for your show and how you would like for it to be structured. Will the podcast be short (under 15 minutes) or long (over and hour)? How often will you release new episodes? A regular schedule is important so that your audience knows when to listen to your work (Gray, 2022). Finally, you want authenticity. Don’t structure it so much that it sounds as if you are reading from a script. Keep it casual and personal (Weobong, 2020).

ChatterPix

Besides podcasting, there are several other audio tools that can be used for the younger students. ChatterPix is a fun app that allows you to make photos talk. For example, you take a photo of your dog, then you draw a line to show where its mouth is, and then record your audio. When the audio plays back, you will see the mouth opening and closings to the recording of your audio (Cool Tools for School, 2020).

eLearning Videos

eLearning is learning that takes place electronically through a variety of devices.  eLearning videos can encourage creativity, increase motivation, and cater to a wide range of learning requirements (Pappas, 2021).

To make good quality eLearning videos there are three stages, preparation, recording, and editing. Before you start making the video, you must outline the content, match it with the video, plan for pauses for interactivity, write a script, gather equipment, and choose decent actors. Next is the recording stage in which you will film, record and sound check several times to make sure that the details are relevant to the audience. Last is the editing stage in which you will cut out parts to keep your video short and to the point so the audience will become uninterested (Pappas, 2021).  

There are several different features to keep in mind while video editing, such as lighting, angle, sound, color, etc. Although it seems overwhelming, video editing is an art that I would like to learn more about.

Resources

MasterClass. (2021, November 5). How do podcasts work? how to create a podcast in 13 steps - 2022. MasterClass. Retrieved February 14, 2022, from https://www.masterclass.com/articles/how-do-podcasts-work

Gray, C. (2021, March 26). Podcasting in education: What are the benefits? The Podcast Host. Retrieved February 14, 2022, from https://www.thepodcasthost.com/niche-case-study/podcasting-in-education/

Weobong, D. (2020, May 9). A guide to using podcasts for employee training. eLeaP. Retrieved February 14, 2022, from https://www.eleapsoftware.com/a-guide-to-using-podcasts-for-employee-training/

Gray, C. (2022, February 9). How to start a podcast: Every Single Step for 2022. The Podcast Host. Retrieved February 14, 2022, from https://www.thepodcasthost.com/planning/how-to-start-a-podcast/

Cool Tools for School. (2020, September 4). Thing 5: Audio tools. Cool Tools for School. Retrieved February 14, 2022, from https://cooltoolsforschool.net/audio-tools/

Pappas, C. (2021, May 12). Producing high quality Elearning Videos: The ultimate guide. eLearning Industry. Retrieved February 14, 2022, from https://elearningindustry.com/producing-high-quality-elearning-videos-ultimate-guide