Podcasting: Tutorial 2

Introduction:

Audio streaming and simple audio downloading were the topics for the first tutorial.

The tutorial is about the first of these methods of accessing and managing podcasts:

  1. Use Firefox, Opera or Safari web browsers.
  2. Use a recent version of iTunes.
  3. Use podcasting software like Juice, Ipodder etc.

What you will need for this tutorial:

  • Internet access, preferably broadband. Sound files take longer to download using dialup and a streamed podcast may stutter if the download is slow.
    Note: podcasting may add significantly to your monthly internet download. The ABC says an hour of listening will involve between 10 and 25 megabytes of download. A podcast may take up to half an hour or more to download using dialup.
  • A computer with sound card and speakers or headphones.
  • Firefox Browser. Firefox is a recommended browser and is worth installing. It is available at: http://www.mozilla.com/firefox/ . During installation accept the option to import settings from your browser.
  • A program for playing sound files. http://www.abc.net.au/streaming/players.htm
    You might need help from someone local if things don't work for you.

Advantages of Podcasting using Firefox, Opera or Safari:

  • Firefox, Opera and Safari Web Browsers support direct access to podcasts.
  • A range of podcasts can be accessed without having to install and become acquainted with new software programs.
  • Only the particular episode you select from a regular podcast is downloaded at the time you request it.

Activity 1: Where live feed icon appears in address bar

  1. Open this link in Firefox http://abc.net.au/rn/podcast/default.htm (You may have to copy the link and then paste it into the Firefox address bar).
  2. Look in the Radio National Podcast Feeds box. Some things to note:
    • There is no direct access to the podcast from the webpage.
    • The podcasts are updated daily, weekly etc.
    • You can't listen to any of the podcasts directly by clicking links.This Radio National podcast guide has to be used with a computer program to download a podcast so you can listen to it. We are using the Firefox or similar browser.
  3. Locate the RSS icon at the right of the browser address bar.
  4. Click on the RSS icon - Lists all the available podcast feeds available from this web page.
  5. Click on Background Briefing.
  6. The Add Live Bookmark dialogue box opens.
  7. Change the name to Background Briefing.
  8. Create the bookmark in the Bookmarks Toolbar Folder: Click OK.
    The live bookmark can now be used:
  9. Click on the live bookmark. A list of current podcast episodes is displayed.
  10. Click on an episode and it should start playing. You may be able to save the podcast from the playing control panel. If not:
  11. -File - Save as. - Type or accept the name and then click save. Once you close the browser window the podcast will save.
  12. Locate the podcast you saved and confirm that it will play.

Activity 2: RSS or POD icons occur within a web page.

Often, a web page includes RSS feeds or PODcasts but Firefox does not display the icon we used in the first activity. Here's how to access these:

  1. Open this link in Firefox: http://www.abc.net.au/services/podcasting/
  2. Locate the popular podcast of Great Moments in Science.

3.      Right click on the POD icon, then left click on Copy link location.

  1. - Bookmarks - Manage Bookmarks.
  2. - File - New Live Bookmark. - Name it Great moments.
  3. - Click in Feed Location - Ctrl V to paste the location.
  4. Type in a description if you want to. OK
  5. You can now access the Great Moments in Science Podcast.
  6. Click on Bookmarks and locate Great moments. You will see a list of episodes. Select one.
  7. Save or listen to the episode.

Activity 3: RSS and POD technology can also be used to deliver uptodate news headlines, sport information etc. that may be text-based.

  1. Open this link in Firefox: http://www.abc.net.au/news/
  2. Notice the orange icon at the far right of the address bar.
  3. Use it to create a live bookmark (see activity 1).
    Once you have created the live bookmark:
  4. Access the live bookmark.
    You know the current key news stories without having to access the ABC website. When you click on a story you are taken directly to it.
  5. Access one or more of the news headline stories.
    Access the live bookmark in a day or so. Have the stories will have changed.


Homework:

  1. In Firefox open the link: http://www.abc.net.au/pm/ . Create a live bookmark that will have links for the individual stories. Check the live bookmark a day or so later to check that the stories have changed.
  2. In Firefox open the link http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/help/rss/3397215.stm.
  3. Try one or more of the RSS feeds from the top right or bottom of the page.

Further Reading and Research:

http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/RSS_(protocol) (Describes RSS)

http://news.bbc.co.uk/sport2/hi/help/rss/3397215.stm

Remember:

  • For Podcasts you set up a link.
  • The link is updated automatically.
  • You always have access to the latest episode, news headline etc.