Alison Aldrich <aldrich3@u.washington.edu> is the primary contact.

Description: This free class will provide an introduction to using web-based multimedia broadcast channels for outreach and education. Participants will learn about the basic technology involved and how to develop good content along with tips on effective vocal delivery of your message. By the end of the course participants will develop, record, edit and upload a podcast, screencast, and/or video. The class will be offered via Moodle, an online course management system, and includes two live webcast sessions.

Educational Objective: Participants will be able to: • Describe how podcasts, screencasts, and videos are being used for outreach and education in libraries and health organizations • Develop content that is appropriate and engages a target audience. • Identify and use basic equipment and software needed for podcast, screencast, or video production • Speak clearly and with confidence when recording a podcast, screencast, or video • Create, edit, and upload a podcast, screencast, or video to be available on the Web

Agenda:

Weeks 1-4: Moodle course page is open to students. The course page includes introductory readings, reference materials, activities, and discussion forums. 

Week 2: The first of two 1-hour live webcast sessions will be scheduled this week. In this session, we will discuss how to plan for a basic podcast, screencast, or video production. This includes deciding on a medium, assembling the right equipment, developing content, and practicing the delivery.

Weeks 2 and 3: Students work independently on plans for a podcast, screencast, or video production. The first course assignment is to write a script. Instructors will be available to answer questions.

Week 3: The second of two 1-hour live webcast sessions will be scheduled this week. In this session, we will reflect on the previous week's assignment, then demonstrate basic recording and editing procedures. We will also discuss options for uploading content to the Web as well as copyright and accessibility considerations.

Weeks 3 and 4: Students will work independently to record and upload a podcast, screencast, or video based on the scripts they wrote in the first part of the class.

Need for This Course: A previous similar course "Can You Hear Me Now? How to Make a Podcast" covered audio podcasts only. Students in that class expressed interest in screencasting and video production, also, so we created a new class to cover these topics.

The instructional methods used include Lecture, Demonstration, Slides, Learning Videotape, Discussion, and Hands-on Exercises.

Participant Materials: Students will have access to a Moodle course page which will include links to readings and reference materials, instructional video and audio clips.

Facility Requirements: We will mainly be demonstrating free, web-based software. At a minimum, participants should have access to broadband internet and to microphones for recording digital audio. Those who choose to produce a video for the course assignment should also have access to a digital camcorder. Contact the instructors for a specific list of hardware and software.