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Podcasting 101

BCTELA Workshop October 2024 with Shannon Tong

Podcasting101BCTELA Workshop October 2024 with Shannon Tong

Thank you so much for attending my workshop. As promised, here are resources for you to use. Feel free to make copies and adjust for your own classes. Drop me a line if you have any further questions. All the best, Shannon stong@saanichschools.ca

Why Include Podcasting in Your English Curriculum?

Quiet kids often have a lot to say, if given the right opportunity. I am always astonished to hear the expressiveness and opinions of students who otherwise appear to by shy, quiet, or even disengaged. When students are given the chance to compose their thoughts, record (and re-record if necessary), the results are often surprising in the best ways!

Curricular Competencies: the Big Ideas

Podcasting can be incorporated into any English course, not just New Media. It is a way for students to express their learning and understanding.


Example Assignments:

  • Storytelling - students write a creative piece record an audio version.
  • 2 Minute Podcast - students research a topic and share the key points in an engaging way
  • Extension Activities - based on class readings
  • Book Talks/Reviews
  • Round Table Discussions

Equipment

Device to Record Voices: any of the following will work

  • cell phone with voice memo app (Apple) or voice recorder app (Android)
  • USB microphone to plug into a computer (I like Snowball microphones - they are very sturdy for use with students and reasonably priced.)
  • headphones/earbuds with a microphone (not the best sound quality)
  • built in microphone in a computer/laptop/Chromebook (not the best sound quality)
  • cell phone mics (convenient for interviews but hard to keep track of when lending out).


Program to Edit and Produce Podcasts: some popular options


  • Soundtrap.com (basic level is free, internet-based)
  • Audacity (free open-source, program needs to be downloaded)
  • Adobe Audition ($$ but some schools have an Adobe license)
  • Anchor (free and app based)
  • Garage Band (Apple)


Other:

  • headphones/earbuds (My school's Learning Commons has a box of headphones that can be borrowed. If yours does not, consider asking your Teacher Librarian to apply to your PAC for a class set. Gaming Grants can support equipment that benefits the entire school).
  • computer or tablet

🎤 Workshop Materials & Samples 🎧

Slides for Podcasting 101 inside you will also find a link to Tips for Using Soundtrap.

1-minute Podcast Assignment with three distinct sections:


  1. Writing and Research
  2. Recording, Peer Feedback & Re-Recording
  3. Editing

Peer Evaluation - each student selects 2 people to listen and critique.

Tips for Students

Tips for Students as they write their scripts.

Self-Evaluation for students.

Podcast Intro Assignment

Mentor Podcasts:

I like using this podcast in conjunction with personal essay writing. Pieces follows 19-year old Jeremy Ratt as he seeks to understand his roots (a mix of Indigenous and white heritage) and all of the distinct "pieces" that form who is today.

This podcast led to a murder conviction being overturned 20 years after Adnan Syed was imprisoned for allegedly murdering his ex-girlfriend. I like using it to teach students about storytelling and how to make it compelling, and how to make listeners want to come back for more.

This is a scripted thriller. I use episode one this with students to teach students how sounds are used to help listeners imagine the setting. Recognizable voice actors: Caroline Keener and David Schwimmer.

Ira Glass is a master at interviews and weaving stories together.

The Daily produced by the New York Times is great for teaching students how to interview effectively.

This short podcast from Sound Cloud is an great example of how to use sound effectively for storytelling.
Ms. Shannon Tong
Claremont Secondary School, SD63