PODCASTS

=**Independent Reading Assignment - PODCAST**=

==**Pick a novel to read in your spare time and create a podcast (audio only) of 2.00 to 2.30 minutes in length, which will include background music/noises and __your own voice__. Introduce the book in a way that inspires others to read it.**==

** DO NOT REVEAL THE ENDING!!!! **
Check out this website for examples of “book club” podcasts [] []

What is Podcasting? []
 * //Helpful sites//**

How to create a podcast? Download AUDACITY at [] and the mp3 encoder

//**Watch these instruction videos**// [] how to plan & prepare (remember, you already HAVE your TOPIC, your Independent Reading Book) [] how to record and edit – VERY GOOD INSTRUCTIONS [] how to export & publish

 Please update your page with INDEPENDENT READING information:
 * your chosen book title,
 * author,
 * a two-sentence blurb about the author (maybe s/he's written other books you've read and you'd like to recommend them )
 * a two-three sentence blurb about the main idea of your book, the main characters or main events of the plot

It is a FREE program that allows you to RECORD your voice and add background music/noises. You can of course also use the Mac program GarageBand (and teach ME how to use it, too :)
 * Meanwhile, it is a good idea to download a recording program,** AUDACITY to your MAC if you don't want to use the complex program GarageBand.

=**EXPORT YOUR AUDIO FILE**=

** IN AUDACITY AND GARAGE BAND -- YOU MUST EXPORT THE FILE!!! **
DO NOT "SAVE AS" and also DO NOT "SLIDE/DRAG" THE FILES OVER TO YOUR USB

**UPLOAD the podcast ON THE WIKI directly** **(definitely the way to try FIRST!)**

--> go to our wiki http://english-9-bmj.wikispaces.com/ --> go to your page, --> **click on EDIT** --> place cursor at the bottom of the text (that's where the file will be embedded) --> **click on FILE** **icon on the edit bar** --> click on **+UPLOAD FILE** - a new window will open --> find your file - attach - upload --> **CLICK ON THE UPLOADED FILE** --- it needs to turn yellow - to insert it into your wiki page --> now you're then BACK on your page - the file looks weird, but that's ok - **SAVE!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! HIT THE SAVE BUTTON AT THE TOP!!!!!!!!** --> NOW it looks like a little strip of embedded file :))) so check if the file actually **PLAYS** :) --> done :)

PLEASE EXPORT your recording as .mp3 file or CONVERT into .mp3 file
 * ALTERNATIVE INSTRUCTIONS:**
 * 1) Go to **MANAGE WIKI** at the top of the page
 * 2) Click on the **FILES** image
 * 3) **UPLOAD** your file with file name **QT WHICHEVER NUMBER IT IS -IR-your-name**
 * 4) **ON YOUR PAGE** click EDIT, type up your text, then upload a **WIDGET** (click on the **FILE** icon - window will open with list of files in our wiki file folder - FIND YOUR FILE - and click to link& find your uploaded file).
 * 5) Close window, SAVE PAGE - check if the visible audio link actually plays YOUR file :)