Class of 1.3 Orientation Meeting

Meeting Notes

• Welcome, Introductions (see left side block for direct links)
• Site Orientation -  Posting blog entry, event, audio, and comments, editing book pages, rich text vs. xinha
  
     Relevant Screencasts:
  
     Basic Audio Posting
  
     How to create audio download link and flash player
  
  
  
  
• Audio Specifications - bitrate, ID3Tags, filenames
  
  How to deal with ID3 tags Screencast
  
  
• Development of a 1.3 Learning Plan
  
  Stay tuned
• Assignments
  
  - Record and post a short introduction on your Webcast Academy blog
  
  
  - Start experimenting with recording both ends of a skype call
  
  
• Coming Soon - The Webcast Academy in Second Life
  
  

Chat Transcript and Show Announcement Newsletter Below

Chat Transcript

11:51:10 JL: Hello

11:51:19 DougS: Hey JL

11:51:22 JL: I'm thinking we might try this without a skypecast

11:51:27 JL: we'll see how many people show

11:51:30 DougS: sure

11:51:34 JL: feel free to skype worldbridges

11:51:36 DougS: sounds good

11:51:41 DougS: will do in just a sec

11:53:49 sharonbetts: Hi everyone - ready to go!

11:54:03 JL: skype 'worldbridges' to join in

11:55:06 sharonbetts: Jeff is really garbled for me. Anyone else?

11:55:59 DougS: getting garble on stream too

11:56:47 sharonbetts: Ok, thanks for the update - standing by. Kathy sounds like about 80 and very very slow.

11:56:49 JenniferW: good morning

11:57:24 cevanoff: Sharon- I feel like I am 80

11:57:50 JenniferW: can I join the skype??

11:58:06 sharonbetts: Jeff, you are getting better, but the gals are still quite garbled.

11:58:12 JL: yes, skype 'worldbridges'

11:58:26 JL: skype conf sounds fine

11:59:07 sharonbetts: Very very yucky streamed. I am on a laptop with wireless connectivity and am not certain I can skype in.

12:00:12 sharonbetts: Nope - still garbled. Hi Niels, Paradox and Jen

12:00:25 JL: please skype in to 'worldbridges'

12:01:26 JenniferW: I am muted -- and turned off real player

12:03:59 Parag: Hello everyone...

12:04:19 dave: hey folks...

12:04:36 JL: http://vyew.com/room/086346

12:08:57 JenniferW: vyew is being very tempermental today

12:09:54 Anne_Fox: Trying to listen on channel 1 but the stream keeps interrupting

12:10:26 JenniferW: view is getting stuck after the flash download

12:11:25 Andrew: I in vyew

12:11:42 sharonbetts: I got in and logged in - then it hung.

12:11:56 Andrew: It's very stuttery

12:12:31 Andrew: There's not much happening there anyway!

12:15:16 Madeline_Here: I have Flash 9,0,20,0 installed but do not see the desktop

12:17:45 Anne_Fox: Am suffering from constant rebuffering on the audio channel even though I'm on broadband

12:18:02 Sus: Anne, join the Skype call instead

12:18:09 sharonbetts: I am having the exact same problem - buffering and occassional static.

12:18:10 Anne_Fox: Am in Vyew OK

12:18:14 Sus: call jeff on worldbridges

12:18:16 marilynj8: My audio stream keeps stopping and rebuffering. I haven't gotten much of it.

12:19:35 Anne_Fox: Worldbridges on Skype does not answer

12:20:12 sharonbetts: This is a big class

12:22:35 elderbob: Hello all.

12:23:32 JL: https://skypecasts.skype.com/skypecasts/skypecast/detailed.html?id_talk=47412

12:23:53 marilynj8: I am not getting most of this, though I have a broadband connection. I can leave.

12:24:32 marilynj8: Can I get this audio later?

12:25:14 Cathy_Evanoff: Good- cause that was way over my head

12:27:18 sharonbetts: Cathy, did you ever live in Ohio?

12:27:39 Cathy_Evanoff: NO- but I have an Aunt Cathy Evanoff in Ohio

12:27:53 Cathy_Evanoff: My husban's aunt actually

12:28:45 sharonbetts: I once had a Superintendent, John Evanoff in Ohio. Is Anne in the chat room?

12:29:07 Cathy_Evanoff: Don't think we are related

12:32:15 Cathy_Evanoff: I need drupal help :(

12:33:03 marilynj8: I am just listening on webcast, which is still dropping out. . I have just downloaded skype. Will try to join on skype. Maybe it's also a matter of permissions.

12:35:21 sharonbetts: Keep moving away from the page and losing the chat room - I need to get a new window.

12:37:05 Andrew: It looks like there may be a problem with the chat. I had it open in a separate floating windowing and it disappeared.

12:37:46 DougS: having trouble with audio in Skypecast and stream, will keep trying

12:38:23 Parag: Yes, the audio in the stream keeps breaking of. I am on channel 2... is it the same with channel 1 also?

12:38:35 DougS: have channel 1 back now

12:38:47 DougS: sounding good on channel 1

12:39:06 Parag: channel 2 is on again... oops said it too soon

12:39:06 DougS: just lost it again, channel 1

12:39:31 Parag: looks like both the channels step together

12:40:35 marilynj8: I am login out. I hope to hear the broadcast later on my office computer. The buffer on my home computer is not up to the task. Thanks.

12:41:39 DougS: still having trouble on Channel 1

12:42:02 JL: hmmm

12:43:03 DougS: same behaviour on Channel 2 for me

12:43:22 DougS: stop and restart player gives the same clip (~10 sec) and then no stream

12:45:08 DougS: Channel 2 now working for me

12:45:11 JL: try stream again

12:45:47 DougS: ok on Channel 1 as well

12:46:06 JL: http://www.auditmypc.com/internet-speed-test.asp

12:46:55 Cathy_Evanoff: The screencast are wonderful!

12:47:13 Andrew: Yes. I found them useful too

12:47:18 sharonbetts: Yes, I used the Audacity one and will watch many more.

12:48:12 JL: https://addons.mozilla.org/firefox/1449/

12:50:06 JL: Wysiwyg editing

12:53:28 dave: is it just me that's hearing the choppiness?

12:53:54 Cathy_Evanoff: My sound is good

12:54:04 dave: thanks... must be my connection

12:54:14 JL: don't think so

12:54:15 JL: think it'

12:54:22 JL: s my connection

12:54:28 JL: skype is sucking it up

12:54:39 dave: it does do that

12:54:41 JL: try joining skypecast

12:54:47 dave: that's where i am

12:54:55 dave: was

12:54:59 dave: am

12:55:50 JL: try channel 2

12:56:00 Paradox66: What one could use is Cmaptools...making an conceptmap where we could work together

12:56:01 Paradox66: http://cmap.ihmc.us/

12:56:46 Paradox66: But then it is probably be better using assignments to control the learning

12:57:55 sharonbetts: I tend to need a roadmap.

12:58:40 JenniferW: instead of writely -- could we just not make an additional page within drupal

13:00:17 Andrew: A mind map sound like an interesting approach

13:00:42 Andrew: or a wiki?

13:01:07 Paradox66: Cmap is like a wiki mindmap

13:13:26 Parag: We don't need no USB microphones :-)

13:13:34 Parag: HeHe

13:15:13 Andrew: http://cmap.ihmc.us/

13:19:38 nielsd: OK thanks for today - meal is waiting!

Show Announcement Newsletter

If you would like to be an intern, you must post a comment on this forum thread:

http://www.webcastacademy.net/Apply_for_Class_of_1.3

If you don't post there, we won't know that you want to be an intern and will not be able to give you the appropriate posting permissions.  Here is a list of everyone that has posted there so far.

If you don't want to be an intern yet, you are still welcome to be part of the community and make use of the resources on the website, but only interns will be given access to the stream.

For those who signed up to be members of 1.1 and 1.2, but faded away, consider this a final chance to be part of 1.x.

The purpose of Sunday's meeting is to answer questions incoming interns might have, take the first steps toward producing live, interactive webcasts, and develop a learning plan for the Class of 1.3 .

The first assignment for interns is to record and post a short introduction.

For information on how to record and post one, please watch this screencast:

http://www.webcastacademy.net/screencasts/orientation1-2/index.html

Please disregard the part that says a desktop USB desktop mic is required in order to webcast.  We have since learned that this is not always true.

Please post your introductions by Oct. 28.  Only those who post introductions will be considered 'official' members of The Class of 1.3 .

Introductions can be recorded in any language.  Personally, I'm looking forward to practicing my Danish :)

If you have questions or problems posting your introduction, please post them in the forums.

Just a reminder to all - this is a collaborative learning community, which mean we are all responsible for helping ourselves and each other learn.  Last time, I named myself the 'Class Coordinator for 1.2'.  I have since fired myself.  This time around, I hope 1.3'ers themselves will develop a learning plan and assign themselves class management roles, and that past interns will step forward to stream meetings on specific webcasting related topics as requested.

Speaking of which - a late breaking show announcement!  Brad Hicks will be webcasting a help session for Mac users Sunday, Oct. 22 at 1pmGMT (global times)

Webcasting issues can vary significantly depending on which operating system you use, so these sessions that focus on Mac Only issues can be quite helpful for Mac users.

Thanks again to everyone for your interest and participation in the Academy.

I look forward to virtually meeting newcomers and connecting again with Academy 'oldtimers'.

Fiberoptically Yours,

Jeff Lebow

Worldbridges Founder, Webcastaholic, Former Academy Class Coordinator

Euro mini meeting 06 11 06

Recording from Webcast Academy 1.3 euro mini meeting 06 Nov 06. Participants include Anne Fox, Dennis Newson, Andrew Middleton, Jeff Lebow. The recording is made in two parts. Participants encountered difficulties with Skype, and agreed to work together in understanding how Virtual Audio Cables fit into the Webcasting equation.

Meeting 1.3.2

Chat Log Below 

12:01:02 SusNy: hello friends

12:01:39 SusNy: is there a Skype conference open yet?

12:01:40 Cathy_Evanoff: hello sus

12:01:55 JL: skypecast link above chat room

12:02:04 SusNy: oh great

12:04:58 JL: Hi sue

12:05:03 JL: skypecast link above

12:05:22 JasonR wakes up

12:06:30 arvind_grover: jason, how can i increase my volume higher on an external mic on my mac?

12:06:57 Sue_L.: I'm not seeing a skypecast link...can I get a little more info?

12:08:26 JasonR: ?

12:08:40 JL: hop in teh skypecast if you can Jason

12:08:59 JasonR: here, what was it you needed?

12:09:50 JasonR: Yeah, skypecast working today

12:10:36 JasonR: JL sounds choppy, stutter

12:11:00 DS: not getting that, on the stream you mean Jeh?

12:11:42 SusNy: The Webhuddle is not accepting my efforts

12:12:07 SusNy: neither in Mozilla/Firefox noir in IE

12:13:42 DS: just got into Webhuddle

12:14:17 Sue_L.: can I get the link to the webhuddle? I've found the skype cast and am signing in... I believe :D

12:15:11 SusNy: www.webhuddle.com Sue

12:15:37 SusNy: I'm into the webhubdle mow

12:15:58 Sue_L.: thanx sus! I'm going to focus on getting in the skypecast...I can't find the gang...any suggestions

12:16:34 SusNy: Sue, are you logged in on Skype?

12:18:01 JasonR: Getting stutter from JL in the skypecast

12:18:03 arvind_grover: so the 3 categories are audio editing, streaming and ?

12:18:40 SusNy: and hosting

12:19:30 DS: I like the proficiencies model

12:19:42 arvind_grover: me too

12:19:50 SusNy: Hi Niels

12:19:53 arvind_grover: i can see the unit plans developing

12:20:24 Sue_L.: I found it!

12:22:09 JasonR: Mobile Webcasting, yeah

12:24:41 JasonR: Sometimes I get lost in the whole process. Am I making progress? Where is everyone else? I know it's a matter of focus. How do you keep it all straight, JL?

12:25:36 SusNy: I hear you quite well

12:26:57 arvind_grover: andrew started a forum discussion on visualizing our progress: http://webcastacademy.net/node/452

12:27:21 arvind_grover: distance learning classes do this quite well (well some of them :) )

12:27:36 JasonR nods

12:28:28 SusNy: The collaboration aspect is quite important to know how to follow the progress and problems of each other (I admit having beein mostly in reading mode this week)

12:29:09 JasonR: Wow, that's awesome, JL.

12:29:53 arvind_grover: very cool new feature

12:30:11 arvind_grover: i think seeing other peoples' progress also motivates you to stay on task

12:30:23 arvind_grover: is it too formal a structure for people? i know jeff was worried about that

12:33:07 Sue_L.: Not too formal me...I like formal with some wiggle room

12:43:00 arvind_grover: here is that other flash player btw: http://www.webcastacademy.net/blog/42

12:43:10 JasonR: That becomes easier with time

12:43:15 JasonR: and practice

12:43:19 JasonR: I am still the same way

12:43:53 arvind_grover: here is the del.icio.us playtagger: http://del.icio.us/help/playtagger

12:44:05 JasonR: And a willful abandonment

12:44:10 arvind_grover: and here is the other flash player i have seen on webcastacademy: http://www.webcastacademy.net/blog/42

12:44:39 JasonR: You should make a badge for scripted program proficiency

12:45:28 arvind_grover: it could be a sleepy face :)

12:46:59 SusNy: what an echo

12:47:43 JasonR loves JL's creamy smooth intros

12:47:54 arvind_grover: definitely

12:48:21 JasonR: relaxed, confident, bold

12:49:08 arvind_grover: good advice, the quick intro is best

12:52:11 Sue_L.: My skype cast shows only one person in it... and it's not me...but I can hear the skypecast... I think it's an eerie halloween thing happening

12:53:08 arvind_grover: we're here!

12:53:36 SusNy: Bye bye

12:54:11 SusNy: pw webcast

12:55:41 SusNy: momento, br

12:55:45 SusNy: brb

12:57:49 SusNy: now I am ready to share my desktop

13:01:15 JasonR: splice?

13:01:37 JasonR: http://www.splicemusic.com/

13:14:51 JL: http://www.webcastacademy.net/Class_of_1.3

13:27:45 Sue_L.: bye bye all...I'm off!!

13:45:50 SharonBetts: Just got in and thought I would catch the final minutes

Meeting 1.3.3

Meeting 1.3.4

Meeting 1.3.4

November 12, 2006

Download mp3

Agenda

• Introduction/Opening
• Share Good / Bad Experience using Audacity
• How do VAC really work? (Diagram of VAC)
• Skypecast Control- New Screencast about Skypecasting
  
• Bandwidth Concerns
  
• Brainstorm how to use Webcast - Bring at least one good idea.
• Share experience with trying streaming
• Questions and word is free

Meeting 1.3.5

• The Webcast Academy Moodle
• Open Troubleshooting
• Interncast Schedule (starting to produce shows with support of oldtimers, if necessary) 

Meeting 1.3.6

Meeting 1.3.7

Meeting 1.3.8

Agenda

- Book of Webcasting, Hardware & Software Profile Pages

- Skypecast Alternatives

- New Year Webcastathon

- Open Troubleshooting

Meeting 1.3.9

Discussion of wrapping up the Class of 1.3,  what lies ahead, and planning the New Year's Webcastathon.  Interns, please add your shows to the 2007 New Year Webcastathon schedule.  If you'd like to do a show/host a discussion but are not ready to stream solo, please post a request for streaming support in the forums.

Webcast Academy Moodle Discussion

Academy Session 2.2.4

Cables and audio and skype OH MY!
Cables and audio and skype OH MY!
Cables and audio and skype OH MY!

We're off to finally webcast in the wonderful land of Worldbridges!......

We are all winding down and winding up in the fourth week of Webcast Academy. I have to tell you, that on Monday when I had to work all day, from 7 am to 7 pm, when I finally had a chance to open skype and wait for my WCA messages, there were 322! What a great way to keep in touch and check out what is happening from the wonderful Open Source Learning 2.0 community. Jose R said it best, for me anyway, thanks Jose!

    I think I first heard the term; "Open Source Learning" in chat in the Webcast Academy.  I thought I knew what it was. I figured it referred to us choose what content we wanted to learn on the internet.  I heard Will Richardson refer to ideas on the Read-Write Web and the like.  I also keep up with other superbloggers like Wesley Fryer, Miguel Ghulin, David Warlick, Christopher Sessums, Steven Downes just to name a few.  I even particpated in K12Online last year and Web Heads in Action Online Conference this year along with Necc2007 not to mention everything happening at edtechtalk.  Nevertheless understanding comes through the practice or application and not theory.  Not until Webcast Academy did I begin to understand Open Source Learning. It just all clicked today.  I got a call from Kevin Sandridge a teacher in central Florida, we had a long talk about web 2.0 and implications for Second Language Learners, Yesterday Susan was asking about classes to recruit for youthbridges. I had a conversation with Chris Craft about a project on digital storytelling on Friday.  And Today it just came all together.  Dennis was uploading his file to Webcast Academy. It didn't show up in the flash player.  I thought I would help out.  How hard could it be.  80 minutes later with Susan patiently waiting on the sidelines we defeated the audacity gremlins and sucessfully uploaded the file.  I felt great and was happy to be able to contribute.  Open Source Learning means building on collective knowledge.  NOW, I've GOT IT!   Jose Rodriguez, August 2007, WCA

So, in the spirit of Open Source Learning and Learning 2.0 , Susan, Jeff and I would like to include you in making the agenda for Meeting #4.
Susan, Jeff and I would like to include you in making the agenda for Meeting #4.
In the curriculum it indicates that we should be talking about advance editing, adding music at the beginning or end, or both ..... We would also like to address any little things that may be wandering around in cyberspace. Please email us, or put a message in the Forum or in the WCA chat on skype. The first Webcast Academy graduated added a page to the book of webcasting for our open source agenda. Created a page for 2.2.4 at: ( If two people try to edit it at the same time, whoever clicks first will have their version saved, the other will get a message that the page has been edited but will still have their changes visible, so they can copy, reload, and paste .)

Webcast Academy Session 2.2.5

Interns, feel free to edit this page to add agenda items and/or questions for this meeting.
(don't worry, revisions are made automatically, so you can't do any long-term harm) click on the title of this post to see the full agenda

New Media Literacies Institute at UPEI -Saturday, September 29th, 2007

Streaming & Archiving
Live Multi-class Interaction
Presented at:
New Media Literacies Institute at UPEI
Saturday, September 29th, 2007
By Jeff Lebow with support from the Webcast Academy Community

 What is Live, Interactive Webcasting (& Webcast Academy)?
   
Using web based audio and/or video to connect remote participants in a real time conversation and make it available for others to listen to.
     'Live' adds the magic, recording adds the power.

•   Audio Recording

http://www.wikirecording.org/index.php/Main_Page
http://www.guidesandtutorials.com/audacity-tutorial.html
http://newmediaguides.com/audio

• Recording Conversations with remote participants

http://webcastacademy.net/node/1083
http://labnol.blogspot.com/2006/06/how-to-record-skype-conversations.htm

• Streaming

http://webcastacademy.net/streaming-overview

• Commercial sites that support audio, video, and/or desktop sharing
     Ustream, WizIQ, Talkshoe, , Mogulus, Operator11, Webhuddle, Yugma, , 

Uses

• Power of an audience, especially live audience
• Broadening our exposure to different perspectives
• Prepare students with 21st century collaborative skills
• Professional development

Challenges

• Technical (finding tools and support)
• Administrative - opening up access, addressing privacy and safety concerns
• Pedagogical - how does it fit in with educational goals

Tales from the front lines

• Connect with remote participants
• Examples
  http://youthbridges.net , http://youthvoices.net/elgg/_weblog/everyone.php , http://www.epnweb.org/  (podcasts)

Yesterday's Experiment

EVO2007

Teacher Talk Studio

WiAOC 2007 Webcastathon

About The Webcast Academy

Welcome to The Webcast Academy. The Academy is a hands on,
collaborative training center for people interested in learning how to
produce and host live, interactive webcasts. 

Overview

The goals of the Webcast Academy include

• increasing the number of people who are capable of producing live, interactive webcasts
  
• applying the open source community approach to skill development
• creating a place that formally recognizes proficiency,  excellence, and innovation  in these new media skills

It is our hope that those who complete an apprenticeship here, will
put their skills to use on the Worldbriges Webcasting Network and
elsewhere, but there is no charge for participation and no formal
commitment required following the completion of the internship.

To keep things manageable in terms session administration, server
resources, and security, we can only accept 15 interns for each
session.   Upon successful completion of their 3 interncasts and a
'commencement webcast',  interns will receive a Worldbridges Webcaster
Proficiency Certificate and become a Worldbridges Webcasting Licensee. 

Interns will need to spend at least 3~5 hours a week
working on developing the necessary skills, working with other members
of their 'channel', and banging their heads against their monitors. 
Eventually, intern station managers will be broken into 5 groups (or
channels). One of the stations managers in each group will serve as
Channel Director.  The Channel Director will be responsible for
scheduling and posting information about group webcasts on the
calendar.

 Interns will be the only ones with direct access to the
Worldbridges webcasting streams, but everyone is welcome to participate
in other ways - posting in the discussion forums, commenting on posts,
contributing to the Book of Webcasting, and learning along with the
apprentices. 

 Admission Policies

The Webcast Academy does
not charge any fees, but we do ask that interns continue contributing
to this collaborative learning community following the completion of
the Basic Program.  We plan to limit the 'class of 1.5' to 20
'interns'.  Interns are the only ones given access to the Academy
streams on the Worldbridges servers.  If we receive more than 20
applications, we will select participants based on the quality of their
application materials,  compatibility of their goals with Worldbridges
values and goals, and the unique contribution they would make to the
world of webcasting.  Those who are not accepted as interns for this
session are welcome to participate as non-interns and to reapply
for the next session.

Certification

Upon review and approval by the 'Webcaster Council', interns will receive a Webcast Academy Certificate of Webcasting Proficiency.
As long their webcasting focus and approach are compatible with
Worldbridges Values & Goals, graduating interns will also receive a
'Worldbridges Webcasting License'.  This license is a pre-requisite for becoming a webcast producer on any of Worldbridges channels or sites.

 Upon completion of the Basic Program, interns are asked to serve
on the 'Council of Webcasters' for at least one future Academy session
(not necessarily the one immediately following theirs). They are also
eligible to receive advanced certification from The Webcast Academy
(details of which will be ironed out during future Academy meetings).

Audio Editing in Audacity - Basic

Audacity is compatable with Windows 98, ME, 2000, & XP, Mac OS9 and X, Linux, and Unix. To download the program go to the Audacity website.

1. Before you start, go to your computer's sound control panel and make sure your input device (or your microphone) is selected as the audio input source. Then boot Audacity and go to preferences. Set the device(s) you are recording from and playing to in the audio I/O tab. If you are editing a pre-recorded file from your webcast for example, open Audacity then use the Import tool to open the pre-recorded file.The Quality tab sets the sample rate and bit depth. Jeff Towne from the Transcom Tools Content site says "Audacity can handle different sample rates and bit depths within a project, but these will be converted in real-time to the default session settings when needed. Although normally 16-bit is a sufficient bit-depth for webcasts, and you will save a good deal of disc space and processing power if you use that depth, Audacity sometimes creates grungy-sounding sound files when recording at 16 bit. I'd start with 16 bit, but if you have that problem, setting up your session to record at 32-bit float might solve it. Set that in the file format tab as the default export format." You can change the sample rate from the lower left corner also.
2. Hit the red record circle in the transport panel to record. You can adjust the record level with the slider next to the microphone icon in the top right corner. You should leave it all the way up and change levels from your sound card or control panel. Make sure your input level does not go into the "red" (or hit the ceiling) on your meter as that will cause clipping. You can import audio into your Audacity project if you wish to combine more than one recording or add music etc. They will show up as new tracks.
3. Editing tools -
   

   the control toolbar is like any audio player transport buttons. Pressing the spacebar will start and stop play, and shift-spacebar will loop-play a selected section (called a region). To select a section, click on the selector tool and drag over the part of the audio you want to change. Move the cursor over the edges of the highlighted section to grap and extend the length. Press Z to move the selection edges to zero-crossings eliminating clicks from edits. For gain changes (also known as trim..it refers to the intensity of an audio signal), highlight a region (section) and use the "amplify" or "normalize" commands from the effect menu, or move the volume slider at the left of the track display. That slider sets the level for the track. Use the draw tool like a pencil to re-draw waveforms to eliminate eliminate clicks or other distortions. Click and drag over part of a track to zoom in. The magnifying-glass icons on the right hand side of the top of the track window can be used to zoom in or out in steps, to zoom to the selection, or to zoom out to see the entire project at once. A scroll wheel works as well. Cut, Copy and Paste work as expected. Highlight audio you don't want and press delete. Audacity will close the gap. Use the silence selection tool (mute) if you'd like to remove audio without making changes to the timeline.Select audio you want to keep and click trim to selection to delete everything except the selected region. The silence selection icon mutes selected audio, but without moving any other audio regions, leaving a silent space, like hitting "mute" for that time range. Any other edits will close up that gap. You can grab the vertical edges of a track and drag up or down to make it wider and easier to see for editing. The track can be reduced in size to see more tracks after you are finished editing You can always undo edits, but not after you save. Audacity saves small ".aud" files that has all the editing data, so you can do multiple save-as steps to store different versions of the project, to retain flexibility without duplicating all the large sound files. Selecting view>history will show you a list of your actions, and by clicking on the various entries, the edits will revert to that stage of the edit, you can then discard all moves after that point by clicking the discard button. The history list is cleared whenever you save and you cannot undo after a save. Audacity has been known to crash, so save often. You can use the Audacity plug-ins like the compressor, EQ, filters and normalizing. The Audacity "Noise Removal" effect is not the best and I don't recommend it. Audacity's effects need to be applied one at a time. To remove an effect, you have to step backward with "undo."

4. Export selected parts of a project by highlighting them and choosing export selected from the file menu.
5. Final MP3 - (for uploading into your blog) When you are done with the mixing and editing, (make sure your audio levels are high but not clipping) export your project by clicking File>Export As>an MP3. You may also Export as a WAV file or an Ogg Vorbis, another kind of compressed file. Just saving it will not make it a final mix. Be sure to us this Export tool so your final product can be uploaded to Webcast Academy, burned to CD or FTP'd.
6. Learn Keyboard shortcuts for Audacity to speed up your editing time.

References

Class of 1.2 Orientation / Basic Audio Posting

Screencast

Orientation information for the Class of 1.2, including basic blog posting and audio attachment

Produced by Jeff Lebow, July 22, 2006 

How to create audio download link and flash player

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How to create download link and flash player for uploaded audio.

Also includes info on URL aliases.

Flash Player Code shown during screencast

Produced by Jeff Lebow, July 25, 2006

More resources

Some more are here: http://groups.diigo.com/itselementary/bookmark/tag/show_3

SAMBroadcaster - Windows

SAMBroadcaster is a fairly sophisticated piece of streaming software designed for online DJ's. In our experience, it has proven to be the most reliable way for Windows based webcasters to succeed.

This software has a lot of different options that may be too complicated for the beginners. Secondly, the main idea behind SAMBroadcaster is to not only stream voice but also to play music. So if you don't plan to play music during your show, I believe that using other software (like Oddcast or Simplecast) should be enough. However, there are many exceptions in the field of live webcasting and this is one of them. You should try streaming with few programs and see which one is the best for you and which one gives you the best voice quality. Remember that hardware of you PC/laptop and peripherials can influence the live stream in many ways: starting with the voice quality and ending with keeping constant and good internet connection or stream. Thus, live webcasting is like an ongoing experiment; but it's fun!

Screencast Video#1
Screencast Video#2

Conrad's Screenshot Video of how to use Sam to webcast without Virtual Audio Cables

Oddcast - Windows

OddCast Homepage - http://www.oddsock.org/tools/oddcastv3/

A free streaming utility.  Works fairly well, but we have often experienced a 'tinny' sound when using it.  Not quite ready for a a production environment, but worth keeping an eye on. 

Nicecast - A Summary of Tips and Tricks

When streaming on a Macintosh computer, you are going to encounter your own special challenges. I will include here the links to some of our discoveries here at the Webcast Academy. Please contact me if you have any questions or wish to Skype someone when in dire straights. You can contact me at any time for any reason but I am always messing around with Mac stuff so I enjoy problem solving. Happy Streaming!

1. Nicecast Video Tutorial
2. Blog Post -- Select Your Audio Device Every Time You Open Nicecast
3. MacBreak Video on Nicecast 
4. A Must See Blog on Advanced Settings for Nicecast Applications Mixer
5. Query results for Nicecast on Webcast Academy 
6. Turn iTunes into an Internet Radio Station - Methodshop.com

Webcastathon 2006c Schedule

Alex Ragone and Arvind Grover - Blogging in Education - Webcast #2

Happy Birthday WorldBridges!!! We look forward to listening to the webcastathon! This is our second webcast. We had an interesting discussion of blogging in education. Next week, we hope to continue the conversation with more specific examples of blogging in education. Please check out our new show wiki. See everyone next week.

Alex Ragone and Arvind Grover - Introductions - Webcast #1

This is our first try at webcasting. We discussed our backgrounds, and what type of topics we would like to discuss in the future. We had some issues with dropping packets, but you can make up most of the audio on the mp3. Check out our blogs at Learning Blog and 21 Apples.

Alex Ragone and Arvind Grover - Webcast #3

What's the story about blogging and the read/write web? Today, we discussed actual blogging applications in education. Download the show here (15MB 30mins). Here's our show wiki.

Next week, we interview Laurie Bartels about The Collaborative Commons. Check out our blogs here: Learning Blog and 21 Apples.

Alex Ragone and Arvind Grover - Webcast #4

What is the Collaborative Commons? Laurie Bartels, its creator, explains. show here (15MB 30mins). Also, check out our show wiki for chat archives and show notes.

We're working on plans for next week. Stay tuned.

Cosmo and Friends During the Webcastathon

Here's the audio of a some fun I had during the Webcast Academy webcastathon earlier this month. I logged on to host a session during the webcastathon and had the good fortune to encounter Calamari and PN, after they skyped into my 'cast and invited me to join them in < a href = "http://secondlife.com">2nd Life.

It was a blast as we explored "in world" and met some great folks in our travels. Many, many thanks to all my guests, and hope you enjoy the audio of "Cosmo and Friends"

Calamari of cephalopodcast.com

PlanetNeutral of http://openstacks.net/os

Chris2x of http://amateurtraveler.com

Todd of geeksnewscentral.com

ComZero of http://inthetrenches.com, creator of podstats.com

Join me ("Cosmo Commons") for a great discussion about the 'net, 'casts and 2nd Life--in 2nd Life--during the Webcastathon on May 12/13, 2006 in celebration of the 1st Anniversary of the Worldbridges 'net radio network.

EFL Bridges World Conversation Club #2

On Sunday May 14th, I was joined by Gustavo from Brazil, Djoko in Canada, Mike in Poland, Felix in China, and Javier in Argentina for the second EFL Bridges World Conversation Club.

In the first part, among other things, we talked about using the Internet for language learning, becoming an EFL teacher, the growth of Chinese, and Djoko also suggested another, special way of learning a foreign language.

World Conversation Club #2a - Download mp3 ( 41:38, 19.06MB)

In the second part we chatted about Worldbridges, podcasting, the two EFL Bridges sites (eflbridges.com and eflbridges.net), practising and learning a language, making mistakes, China & Western opinions of this country.

World Conversation Club #2b - Download mp3 ( 40:00, 18.81MB)

You can read the chat transcript here.

Music

Theme tune: World Turned Upside Down (extract) by Bombskare

Closing Song (part one): Language School Lover by Dead Man's Corner

Closing song (part two): One Love, One World by Craymo

Production Notes:

Technically speaking, I wasn't webcasting. I set up a Skypecast, and Jeff set up the World Bridges stream.

The quality of these recordings is not very good. Some of the people who joined us for the conversation were speaking from a noisy environment, and you can sometimes hear a TV on in the background.

The first part I edited from a recording I made with Powergramo. In the recording you'll notice my voice is lower than most of the others'. I think that has to do with where my microphone was placed, although it didn't affect me being heard during the conversation.

The second part was edited from the recording that Jeff made, and the quality seems to be much better. It seems to be a better mix too.

These two parts are only the first hour of the webcast. I decided to split it up and add music to experiment, and try and make it more interesting/attractive for EFL learners to listen to. As I'm thinking about providing lyrics to the songs and possibly a worksheet, I'd love to know what people think of this.

Part 2 - Webcast Coverage of The Podcast Academy

Podcast Academy Coverage - An Experiment in Mobile Webcasting 


Part 2 of our coverage of The 2nd Podcast Academy held at Boston University April 28-29, 2006. While Doug anchors the stream, Jeff calls in with discussions with Tony Kahn, Sam Levin, & CC Chapman.
Part 2 - Download mp3 ( 22:39, 10.8MB)

0:50 Tony Kahn 9:40 Sam Levin 19:05 CC Chapman

Part 3 - Webcast Coverage of The Podcast Academy

Podcast Academy Coverage - Part 3


Part 3 of our coverage of The 2nd Podcast Academy held at Boston University April 28-29, 2006. While Doug anchors the stream, Jeff calls in with discussions from the Academy. We start out halfway through a covnersation with John Furrier of Podtech.com. We then speak with Ed Blaguszewski of Umass, Kieth Grove of Dover Sherburne Middle School, David Malan of the Harvard Extension School, Sam Levin of Podshow, and Academy organizer, Sasha Norkin of Boston University, We wrap up with the streamed audio of our first attempt at Triplecasting, a discussion with Videoblogging pioneer, SteveGarfield.

Part 3 - Download mp3 ( 34:16, 15.6MB)

1:00 John Furrier 8:40 David Malan 16:00 Sam Levin 21:00 Sasha Norkin 25:30 Steve Garfield

SpaceCast #1- Up and Flying!

We have gotten our first SpaceCast edited and ready to add to our blog. After playing the recording to the rest of my students, they were sure they could come up with a much more entertaining show for future broadcasts. I encouraged everyone to write their scripts so we have alot of new ideas ready to go.

We had trouble getting on air at school and we need to improve our sound but anything new takes time to perfect! Everyone is getting used to the idea of being part of a live show and have started blogging like crazy in their Personal Learning Space to find out what this new technology is all about and who these students are talking to them on the show. Take a listen and please give us your comments and suggestions. We really want our SpaceCast to fly!

Download mp3