Simple Podcasting and Moodle

I work with many teachers that are interested in using podcasting as both a teacher and student directed tool within their classrooms. However, they all share a common roadblock: insufficient time to learn how to create, edit, develop and share a podcast. As a solution to that roadblock I suggest that teachers use Gcast, an online tool that allows users to create podcasts by placing a toll free call or uploading an audio file.

My focus will be creating a podcast via a phone call because it can be done in just a few minutes and it eliminates the use of additional software, editing skills and the need to own a microphone. In order to use Gcast teachers will first need to follow these directions for creating a free account.

Creating your first podcast is simple.

Click on the play button below to hear the result of my podcast phone call:

Moodle is primarily being used as a parent/student communication tool within my school district. Podcasts created within Gcast can easily be embedded into a Moodle course page.

Classroom Application:
For teachers that are just beginning their podcasting adventures, I would recommend using this as a teacher directed tool, such as announcing upcoming assignments and important dates. As your comfort level increases, consider creating a class account (that you manage the pin number for) and having students create podcasts in response to something that happened in class or something that you posted in Moodle. Perhaps as a reward students can have the opportunity to post the weekly class news podcast.

In the future you could have students create individual podcasts in response to an assignment as well as create and edit audio files for uploading or you can keep it simple with a phone call!

*Please note that the instructional files linked in this post were created for a live presentation and these are general directions, they are not intended to be step-by-step. Also, you must be logged into Moodle and have editing rights in order to embed your podcast.*