Podcasting is a new and exciting multimedia syndication technology that will enable our users to easily download our CE activities in MP3 format. It is based on the same technology used for blogs and XML/RSS news feeds. To learn more, you can visit Wikipedia, apple.com, or iPodder.org.
Why Podcasting?
Podcasting is NOT the same thing as downloading MP3 files from our website (which is still an option for those without podcast receiver software). Podcasting offers several advantages over MP3 downloads:
- Podcasts can contain more than one activity, and more than one file for each activity. That allows us to group several similar activities into one podcast, and automatically send the course materials with each activity's audio file.
- Podcasts are like radio channels; the content can be updated regularly. When we add a new activity to a podcast, your podcast receiver software will automatically download the new files the next time it checks the podcast.
- Most podcast receiver software allows users to schedule their downloads. In other words, you can set your computer to download an activity when Internet traffic is slower.
- Most podcast receiver software will automatically copy all downloaded files into a playlist in your default audio software (If you're using iTunes 4.9 or later, they're the same thing). Some software goes one step further and automatically loads the files on your MP3 player...all you do is plug in your iPod when you go to bed, and you have new CME to listen to on the way to work!
You will need a device that is capable of importing and playing MP3 files. As the name "podcasting" suggests, an iPod is ideal to utilize this technology, as is any specialized MP3 player. However, you may use any other device that plays MP3 files, such as a PDA, cellphone, or laptop or desktop computer. CME Podcasting audio files vary in size from 20-25MB, so you will need enough space on your device's hard drive to accommodate each file.
Software
You will need software on your computer that is capable of either playing MP3 files or copying them to your MP3 player. We recommend Apple iTunes, although Windows Media Player, Real Player, and QuickTime will also play MP3 files. All of the software listed above is available for free.
Specialized podcast receiver software (also known as "podcatching" or "aggregator" software) is not necessary, but it makes downloading podcasts much more convenient. To enjoy all the benefits of podcasting, we recommend downloading podcast receiver software, such as iTunes or iPodder, both of which are free of charge and available for PC and Mac.
To view and print the course materials that accompany each audio file, you will need software that is capable of opening a PDF file. We recommend the free Adobe Reader.
Internet Connection
CME Podcasting audio files vary in size from 20-25MB, so we highly recommend DSL or a cable modem, if not a faster connection. If you have a dial-up connection, we recommend downloading these files late at night, or whenever your Internet connection is typically at its fastest.
Participation
To participate, follow the directions on our About Us page.
WHAT IS PODCASTING?