Back to Podcasting in the Online Class

How to Create a Basic Podcast

Creating a basic podcast is pretty easy once you have all the tools.  Here is what you will need to create a very basic podcast using the free tool, Audacity:

1. The Audacity software downloaded to your computer.
2. The LAME software (MP3 convertor) downloaded to your computer.
3. A microphone for your computer.
4. A script for your podcast.

Once you have everything assembled you are ready to go.

To Create a Podcast:

1.  Open Audacity.

2.  Make sure that your microphone is hooked up properly and that you have your speakers turned up so that you can hear yourself when you play your file back.

3.  When you are ready to record, click on the red round button and start reading your script into the microphone.

4.  When you are ready to stop recording, click on the yellow square button.

5.  Clicking on the green arrow will allow you to play back your recording.

6.  To create an MP3 from your recording, click on File, then Export as MP3.  (The first time you do this, you will be required to browse for the LAME software that you installed.  Once Audacity knows where this file is, you won't have to do this again.)

7.  Pick a name for your podcast file and the folder you want to save it in, and then save it to your computer.

8.  The audio file is now ready to be uploaded and used.

The Audacity software allows for quite a bit more intricate editing, and you can explore the variety of options that it has to offer.  In addition, there are many other kinds of audio authoring tools out there that can be used.  If podcasting is something that you plan to make a habit of, you may want to explore the other options and see which one is right for you. 

Back to Podcasting in the Online Class