One of the graded SST assignments in year 1 was to create a podcast. Beyond the 20% grading (obviously, my main motivation), I asked myself if "creating podcasts" itself was a useful skill?
What is a podcast?
First of all, let's define Podcast as "a digital audio file made available on the Internet for downloading to a computer or mobile device, typically available as a series, new instalments of which can be received by subscribers automatically".
Podcasting... Useful / not useful?
Imo, there are many benefits to podcasting. For example, students in media clubs can create podcasts to help disseminate information, at same time improve the quality of their content (videos and audio recordings). Podcasting also helps improve our language skills. Hearing our recorded voices give us a chance to review our voice quality in areas of pace, volume and stress. Where through multiple practices, each category will improve over time. This indirectly increases our confidence when we are making presentations, e.g. being MCs, etc.
My conclusion was that this podcasting thingy deserves more follow-up. So, I decided to do a little research about podcasting and share it with everyone here. Basically, this post will first cover the "Why" & "What". Then move on to the "How".
Why should we create podcasts?
Some teachers believe that podcasting can also help enhance student learning. By creating stuff, we actually learn better than just be on the receiving end. So, I might actually be doing more podcasting in weeks to come. In meanwhile, this article sums it up quite nicely... https://study.com/blog/why-you-should-start-using-podcasts-in-your-classroom.html
What makes a good podcast? (technique specific to our vocal delivery)
The SST assignment gave us some guidelines to follow. Basically, our speech must be audible, with accurate pronunciation and appropriate intonation. Our speech also have to be spoken clearly and fluently using the appropriate voice qualities: pace, volume, tone, stress (at both word and sentence levels) to convey meaning and expression.
What makes a good podcast?
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NUmdoFDtpQg (updated on 22 Dec 2020)
Having good technique but recording our podcast poorly (e.g. static sound or noisy background) will not do our recording justice. Fortunately, internet is full of tutorials and free software that can help on this. My recommendation is to use Audacity. So, we finish off the post with some tips on the "How".
How do we make a good podcast?
Check out this video tutorial to cover the technical (tool specific) parts of creating a podcast.
Now that we have covered both techniques as well as technical tips on how best to create a good podcast, check out my sample podcast https://soundcloud.com/howie-chia-709834909/sst-sem-2-podcast-trial_4
Let me know via comments what you think? Band 1, 2 or 3? :p
More importantly, what are some areas I could have done better? Thanks!
Howie
24 Aug 2019
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