Integrating ICT into the MFL classroom:: Paul Parkinson on top recording tips for podcasting teachers

Paul_parkinson

Paul Parkinson is a professional level podcaster and former editor of soon to be relaunched free pdf downloadable Podcast User Magazine. In the following hour long interview, he offers some great tips and guidance on how to achieve good quality audio recordings in a number of different educational contexts. These include:

recording with a microphone and computer for teacher-produced or pupil-produced podcasts
recording in class with a digital voice recorder
recording conference sessions or lessons with a lapel microphone
recording Skype calls
recording on a mobile phone or ultramobile PC (UMPC)
recording the audio of a video-conferencing session

For those of you who are comfortable in making basic audio recordings, I hope the interview gives you some more ideas on how to take your podcasts to the next level. Admittedly our conversation does become pretty techy at times, but the comprehensive show notes and summary below should support you well if you would like to explore the concepts discussed further. As always, just get in touch if you get stuck.

Thanks to Paul for his time and sharing his wealth of experience in pro-level podcasting. Enjoy!

Download Interview_with_Paul_Parkinson.mp3

Summary

introductions
buying a mike and mixer and getting into podcasting
producing two podcast shows
editing Podcast User Magazine
meeting at Audio 101 session at PodcampUK
advice on getting into podcasting: Passion and a microphone
not spending a fortune when you start: Audacity and a cheap mike is all you need
deciding where to host and learning about RSS feeds
using iTunes to convert wav files to mp3 files
moving on from Audacity and going to the next level of audio editing
cueing up clips in CastBlaster for live recording
using a full multitrack mixer like Cockos Reaper
wav v mp3
explaining sample rates, bitrates and file compression
using 44100 Hz and 128/96 mbps as a podcasting standard
podcasting portals and dealing with bandwidth issues
podomatic v Libsyn v PodShow
self-hosting and creating your own RSS feed with FreeForAll
recommending digital voice recorders for recording in class
using a lapel microphone for recording conference sessions
plugging a recorder straight into a sound desk
Practising where to position a lapel mike for getting the best sound
dealing with handling noises
recording wav files and converting to mp3
recording two channels at the same time for interviews
the advantages of using a mixer
phantom powered condenser mikes v dynamic microphones
uSB mike v XLR mike
uSB mixer v USB soundcard plus analogue mixer
not spending a fortune unless you want to be a serious podcaster
using Pamela/Pretty May and recording different speakers as separate tracks
splitting tracks to edit them separately and balancing voices with The Levelator
recording straight to wav to maintain quality, editing in Audacity, export as Wav, dropping on The Levelator, importing back into Audacity and converting to mp3
ideas on video and audio moblogging
recording audio on a mobile phone, and dealing with issues such as file size, roaming fees and lack of editing
using a UMPC with a free wifi hotspot
running Skype, Pamela and Audacity from a USB stick
recording through the sound card
using TotalRecorder to record a Flashmeeting
using Podsafe music
getting permission and linking back to podsafe site
using Creative commons licences
explaining the Fair Use 'myth' in the UK
choosing a podcast player
subscribing to podcasts with Google Reader
using pop filters, spongies, shock mounts, carpet tiles and recording in a cupboard!
avoiding sibilance with a pop filter
using a tripod or boom mike and shock mount
thinking of the 'atmos' background noise creates when recording
recording informal conversations over dinner
recording with open or closed headphones
using a USB headset
stereo v mono
the value of educational podcasting