In the quest for the easiest way to record podcasts, I discovered Gcast and am LOVING it. I actually found Vicki’s on the sidebar of her blog and mentally filed it for the future - Iuckily I remembered where I saw it!
Gcast allows you to create your own podcast channel hosted right at Gcast - here is how the site explains the ways to do so:
- Option 1. Record by phone. You can record a podcast entry via a toll-free call to 888-65-GCAST (1-888-654-2278). You just need to select a numeric ID and PIN first. Whatever you record will automatically appear in your Playlist Manager, and you can even publish to your podcast channel directly from the phone.
- Option 2. Upload MP3 files from your computer. Record and mix an audio recording on your software of choice, then upload it to us from your computer.
- Option 3. Find “podsafe” songs on GarageBand.com. The web’s leading source of “podsafe” music, GarageBand.com is our sister website and fully integrated with our podcasting platform. Every GarageBand song page contains an “ADD TO PLAYLIST (+)” button which will add that song to your Playlist Manager.
The feature that made this stand out from all of the other services I tried was that it is SO easy to create a podcast by phone (I used my home landline) - it’s as easy as making any other phone call! This is really important for me, as I’m trying to find a really simple tool to use for classroom teachers and want them to be able to create audio recordings with no downloads or special equipment. This is perfect! I don’t want the teachers to have to buy microphones or download Audacity, as those add yet more barriers to entry into the world of podcasting. I also love that I can embed the player right in a Moodle course - this is one of the requirements that I had and it works great.
I included my test recordings here so you can hear the sound quality (not perfect, but adequate for a short podcast lecture if needed) and see what the player looks like. The content is NOT anything I’m all that proud of, but it serves the purpose…………
If you’re looking for an easy way to podcast, Gcast is it! If you have experience with this tool, let me know how it’s gone for you…………
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I thought you had a very nice voice! I have thought about trying gcast and you make it sound easy. I have never done a podcast but am considering it.
Pats last blog post..Useful Information In and Out of the Classroom 05/30/08
Kate, thank you! This is awesome. My students asked about this and I have not had time to figure it out. Something else to do this weekend!
Nice to hear you too!
Louise Maines last blog post..Creating a PLN at PAHS
Kate
I presented gcast to my department in February. I talked them through it via a gcast I made! I blogged on it here.
http://blog.discoveryeducation.com/lbilak/2008/03/02/its-like-i-just-phoned-it-in/
It is the easiest most teacher friendly way to try your hand at podcasting. No doubt.
You sounded great! I have used gcast through an audacity recording (and have to convert the audacity to MP3.)I have tried the phone recording for fun, but never thought about having the kids use that method. How simple! We have a phone in the classroom and the kids (2nd graders) would love dialing in to the podcast themselves. Great Idea — Thank you!
Patti Harjus last blog post..End of Year Reflections of Teacher and 2nd Graders
I use GCast as well. I find it easy to use for teachers and students. I usually record using Audacity, and then upload my MP3 file to GCast. From there is it easy to place your player wherever you want.
Pam Carrs last blog post..It has been more than 3 months…
@Pat I’ve always been nervous about it as well and still am not all that confident about my voice. I think this makes it easy enough that re-doing a recording wouldn’t be a big deal.
@Louise and @Patti - that’s why i love it so much, it’s SUPER simple to do with students! I wish I would have found it earlier in the year!
@Linda - You’re just one step ahead of me all the time, read your post! I’m sorry I missed it the first time around :-)
Kate, what a pleasure to hear your voice and get to know you a little better. I was making GCasts about a year or so ago. I need to take another look at the service. At that time I didn’t like the bulky-looking player; but did like the sound quality. Perhaps they have more visually discreet options now.
See ya - Frank
Frank’s Blogs last blog post..Giving a little piece of my (right) brain!
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