So, I too have finally succumbed to web 2.0 and have decided I need a blog too! I did this because it seemed it would be easy to set up a RSS feed off of Blogger using FeedBurner for a possible NMRLS podcasts ... which leads me to!
Proof of Concept Podcast No.1 In two exciting flavors! MP3! & AAC (enhanced)
You can now subscribe or download NMRLS first podcast, Proof of Concept No.1. This is a simple little podcast I put together to get experience working with all the elements of creating a podcast: creating RSS feeds, mixing sound; publishing online. I also did all this using free, built-in, or existing software already in NMRLS possession.
You reach this podcast from my new Blogger site linked above, subscribe to my feed, and download the audio files directly there too. Once downloaded ... what happens next depends on what version you've downloaded:
- the AAC/enhanced version should open iTunes for you
- the MP3 version may start playing right in your browser, or open Windows Media Player, or QuickTime, or WinAmp, or RealPlayer, or some other media player ... Windows gives you a lot of choices!
If you are already a pro at subscribing to RSS feeds, you can subscribe to the RSS feed using one of the URLs listed below and paste it your RSS aggregator, iTunes, or Firefox Live Bookmarks.
Listening to the AAC/enhanced podcast
Because it's way more fun I recorded the podcast using Apple's GarageBand software using the built-in mic that comes with the Apple MacBook. The enhanced/AAC version of the podcast can only be listened and viewed using Apple iTunes (free!) and/or an iPod. The enhanced AAC version has images and hyperlinks to sites I mention during the podcast. It a miniature version of what many faculty and libraries are providing in the academic world where it is often called "coursecasting."
If you are listening to the AAC/enhanced version, be sure to have the "show artwork" turned on in iTunes(under View menu). You can click on the "artwork" (lower right) to enhance your viewing pleasure, the URLs are embedded in the picture, just click on them and they take to the website! Also you can skip around on this podcast by clicking on the "chapters" menu in iTunes. You should see "Chapters" at the top left of iTunes menu bar. If you have a video iPod (or maybe even the iPod nano), sync this and it should all work on there too. All these features might even work on a Microsoft Zune too, I'd be curious to know that too if you happen to have one!
Let me know what you think (leave a comment on the blog!), ideas you have for podcasts that NMRLS could do in the future, or if you'd like me to come to your library to lead a podcasting workshop or help with you consult on your library's podcasts!
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