microphone


 * The word Podcasting comes from a mix of IPOD and Broadcasting.** **In order to do a Podcast you need an audio file that will be stored on a server accessible to your audience.**
 * For podcasting and most of your work with audio files, you could work with two types of audio files:**
 * //**Uncompressed**// audio formats, such as [|WAV], [|AIFF] and [|AU];
 * //**Compressed**// audio formats, such as [|MP3], [|Windows Media Audio] (WMA) and [|AAC].


 * We'll try to keep the files in the compressed format of MP3 because it takes up less space.

There are free locations to Podcast from such as Free websites, wikispaces, blogs, and sites like ITUNES, PODCASTALLEY, and PODOMATIC, to name a few.

Information on how to podcast can be found at sites like: http://www.education-world.com/a_tech/sites/sites074.shtml

Below are** step-by-step instructions on how to podcast from a wikispace.

**Microphones - Recording with Audacity**

You get a choice. A regular "wired" microphone will work but, if you walk around the room a lot, you might want to get a wireless microphone.

Sometimes, if the microphone isn't working or giving the volume you need, you'll need to make some adjustments. Hopefully, your local techie person will be able to help. Or, if you prefer, you can try to make the adjustments yourself. I've included some steps below to help you make this adjustment.

Adjusting microphone volume:

 * 1) Right click on speaker icon. [[image:acsdnov4:properties01.jpg]]
 * 2) Left click Adjust Audio properties
 * 3) Click on the Audio tab
 * 4) Click the "Volume" radio button
 * 5) Raise your Microphone Volume slide
 * 6) Click "Select" under the microphone slide [[image:acsdnov4:advanced03.jpg]]
 * 7) If the Advanced button isn't showing, click "Options" then click "Advanced Controls"
 * 8) Underneath the microphone slide, click Advanced
 * 9) C lick Microphone Boost.
 * 10) Close your windows and you're ready to record.


 * Recording with Audacity**

**If you haven't set up your microphone ** first to make sure it records and has a decent volume, then do that now. Directions are above.  **What is "Audacity" and why do we use it?**


 * Audacity is a free ware program** that allows us to make an **//unlimited//** length recording.

A **wav file** is an audio file that takes up more storage space than an MP3 audio file. An MP3 file is a “compressed” audio file which allows it to take up less storage space than a wav file. **Audacity** can record as a wav file, but it can also **convert audio files to MP3 format**, and, in the long run, will allow you to store more files.
 * The “Sound Recorder” that comes with Windows XP and Vista** and is found under Start – Programs - Accessories – Entertainment gives a **//limited//** recording length of about 60 seconds and can only save as a **“.wav”** **file.**
 * 1)  Open up Audacity (start - programs - Audacity)  [[image:file:///C:/DOCUME%7E1/CHRISF%7E1/LOCALS%7E1/Temp/moz-screenshot.jpg]]
 * 2) Just like a recorder, you'll use the Record and stop buttons most of the time.



After recording, you want to Export your file as an MP3...MP3's are audio formats that, when uploaded to a wikispace, blog, webpage becomes a Podcast. Always know where you export or save files to on the computer so that you can find it to upload it later. 

>
 * Try making an audio mp3 file with Audacity and upload it to a wikipage.**
 * 1) Click on the "Insert Picts" (picture of tree). Actually uploads all files.[[image:acsdnov4:toolbar2.jpg]]
 * 2) Once you click the Insert button you'll get an "Images and Files" window
 * 3) Click Browse, find the MP3, and click upload.
 * 4) Then just double click the picture of the file to place it on the page.
 * 5) Click Save and you will have made your first Podcast
 * 1) [[image:aud4.jpg width="321" height="520"]]