Here are some directions to get you started. Click on the topic of interest or scroll down to find what you need.

1. If you already have an OCPS website account you, already have a weblog that allows podcasting. Click here for an interactive tutorial on how to activate and access youur weblog.
2. If you are an OCPS teacher you can get an account in two ways: Go to http://signmeup.ocps.net and signup and attend a class "Easier Webpages for Teachers" (full day class to learn how to build a website. You will receive the software you need)

or

• Open Internet Explorer and type in http://pdsonline.ocps.net  
• Login:
• OCPS username (your Perssonel #)
• Password:
  • Your OCPS password (the same you use to login in your email).
• If this is your first time in PDSonline complete profile information.
• From the Recomended Courses enroll on Web Procedures.
• Complete ALL sections.
• Your web account will be activated in a few days.

What do I need?

1. Audio editing software.
• For Windows we use Audacity a free open source audio editing software that allows to convert and create mp3 files. (.mp3 is the file extension used for podcasting) In addition you have to download and install LAME MP3 encoder:
  1. Go to the LAME download page.
     Click on any link from the list of identical "lame-3.96.1" links.
  2. When you have finished downloading LAME, unzip it and save the file "lame_enc.dll" anywhere on to the "C" drive in your computer. If you don't know how to unzip watch the movie How to Install Lame.
  3. The first time you use the "Export as MP3" command, Audacity will ask you where "lame_enc.dll" is saved.
     
• For Mac we use Garageband (it comes with iLife 06). The good thing about Garageband is that it has all the tools to create podcasts without having to leave the program. Audacity also has a Mac version. You also have to download LAME MP3 encoder as well.
2. Copyright free jingles or music.
3. Computer Microphone
4. Headphone (optional)

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1. The first thing you need is to find a few podcasts and listen to them. That will help you find your own voice as well as ideas on things you like or dislike about the different podcasts. Remember that anybody can create a podcast, but you want to make sure yours is truly reflecting your voice and your style. Across are some links to some good podcasts to help you get those ideas flowing.
2. Determine your audience:
• Students
• Parents
3. Determine the type of podcast you would like to create:
• Class-produced
• Student-produced
• Teacher-produced
• or a combination of the previous
4. Have a plan and idea of what you want to tell your audience. Some podcast ideas might be:

   • Digital story telling
   • Newsletters by the teacher or by the students.
   • Class project
   • Narrating historic events
   • Field trip reports
   • Make-believe interviews with historic figures.
   • Step-by-Step Instructions
   • Recording test reviews
   • Recordings of your lessons
   • Informative Articles
   • Video Tutorials
   • Your imagination is the limit!
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Now that you have an idea and a script (recommended especially if you don't like to improvise) of your podcast you may want to have a short "intro" music. If you are using a Mac, you can create one using Garageband. For PC Sony makes a free application called ACID^® XPress 5.0 and you can download free loops every week to create your own music "intro". You can download free music from different websites and edit it in Audacity, but make sure you always read their copyright notices to make sure you don't break any rules. Your intro sound will become part of your podcast "signature." You make it only once and save it separately so you can place it at the beginning of all your podcasts. Another good idea is to create an ending music clip using the same music.

• Open Audacity and if you are using intro music go to: File > Open and browse the sound file you like to use (see figure 2).

• Now that your intro sound is in (figure 3) using your selection tool, mouse over the end of the intro track and the mouse arrow will change to a hand with a pointing finger .
• Click to make the insertion line after your intro (see figure 3). The reason you put an insertion point is so when you start recording your voice starts after the intro. Tip: Some podcasters like to introduce their podcast name and episode number with a voice over the intro. Just remember to lower the volume of the intro during that time so you can hear the message clearly.

1. Click on the red record button and start recording your own voice.
2. To stop, click on the olive stop button. Every time you click on record, it will start a new track.
3. To preview your recording, rewind it and click on the green play button. If you don't like the track or just want record it again, delete the track by clicking on the black x on the top left of the track you want to delete and start recording again. Clicking on this button deletes the track. This action is undoable.
4. Once you are satisfied with your recording, go to: File > select Export as MP3.

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Other Audacity Online Help

• Online Manual
• Audacity WIKI
• Many Help Resources
• Tutorials
• Printable Help (pdf version)

"How to" Audacity Flash Movies

• Editing sounds using the "envelope" tool.
• Editing using the drawing (pencil) tool.
• Using the "zoom" tool.
• Using copy , cut , paste , Trim outside selection tool , Time Shift tool and Silence selection tool.

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