NCSS 2023: Podcast Creation Resources
Podcasts in the classroom: Click here for Andrew Swan’s 2022 presentation
Editing Software
Audacity (free editing software)
Anchor (free recording, editing and hosting for Apple and Android phones)
Soundtrap for Storytellers (paid cloud-based editing studio with educational plans)
Music and sound effects (free!)
Gear
A smartphone and a computer (really! the mic on a smartphone will be great, and it’s all you need — that said, you want to get a little fancy?)
Zoom mic for iPhone
Saramonic Smartmic for Android
Recording Apps
Voice Memo (iPhone)
Smart Recorder (Android)
The process!
This is what it looks like for US, but the process for YOU can be as simple as “grab a mic, ramble into it and then make something out of it.” Podcasting in the classroom is, first and foremost, about getting kids thinking in a different way and empowering them to get creative.
“The pitch” — brainstorming ideas, figuring out the story before you record, deciding what format you want the podcast to take.
Research, reporting and interviews — figure out what questions you want to ask in an interview or what subjects you want to talk about during a recording.
Script/plan — podcasting can be a major writing exercise, too! We write down everything that we’re going to say before we “track,” aka narrate, our show. Then we offer each other edits within the script itself (here’s an example of draft 2 of our census episode) If you’re going with a panel show approach, have an outline of what you’re planning to cover so that things don’t go off the rails.
Tracking — open that voice memo or smart recorder app and get yourself on tape! A super easy trick for blocking out background noise? Record yourself and your colleagues underneath a blanket. Even the pros do this in a pinch!
Assembling — make your podcast! Import the audio, find your favorite music beds and sound effects and piece together your story.
Lost? You can find loads of information at Transom, at KQED Teach, NPR and Google+PRX. You can also check out this comprehensive Audacity tutorial or call/email US! We promise we’ll answer, we are a forever resource for your podcasting questions. We’re at ncapodice@nhpr.org and hmccarthy@nhpr.org.