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What is Podcasting?

Podcasting is a method of distributing media files, whether they are audio or video, to subscribers over the Internet. In other words, when you are subscribed to a podcast, iTunes is regularly checking a feed somewhere on the net to see if a new episode is available. If so, iTunes will download it according to your settings.

Classroom Applications

Podcasting is extremely useful as a distribution method between professors and students, and among students in the class. For example, if a professor wishes to disseminate regular information, podcasting is a great resource. The students can then subscribe to the professor's podcast, and whenever new files are uploaded, the students will automatically receive them. Similarly, the professor can set up an open podcast where students are expected to upload media so that all members of the class have immediate access to the materials.

How do I subscribe to a Podcast?

1. Navigate to your podcast, either through the iTunes Store, iTunes U, or DukeCast, and then click subscribe.
2. Alternatively, if you know the address of the feed, open iTunes and go to Advanced > Subscribe to Podcast, and type in the URL in the dialog box
3. Any iTunes U course can be a podcast: click the "Subscribe" button in the course header to automatically download new content whenever it is added.

How do I create a podcast?

The files that make up your podcast episodes can be created using the same audio or video editing tools you would use for any other media project: just be sure to save them as .mp3 for audio podcasts or .mp4 for video podcasts. To upload your files and create the feed for your subscribers, Duke has a new podcasting tool called DukeCast at http://dukecast.oit.duke.edu. This new resource is a podcast host that allows you to set up a podcast that anyone can subscribe to. For more information on how to use Dukecast, check out the DukeCast section of the Digital Media Services website at http://www.oit.duke.edu/dms/dukecast/dukecast.html.

How do I customize my podcast settings?

1. In iTunes 7, go to the iPod Summary page, and select the podcast tab. In previous versions of iTunes, go to the iTunes Preferences and select the Podcast tab at the top.
2. You can choose how often you want iTunes to check for new episodes in the top drop-down menu.
3. You can select how many episodes you want iTunes to download using the second drop-down menu, choosing from downloading all, downloading the most recent, or downloading none and waiting for you to choose which to download.
4. You can also select how many, if any, episodes you want to keep. Options include keeping all podcast episodes, keeping the most recent episode, keeping all unplayed episodes, or keeping a specific number of episodes.
5. Click the button iPod Options at the bottom of this pane to choose how you want your iPod to handle your podcasts. You can choose to have your iPod sync all of your podcasts automatically, choose specific podcasts to update, or manually manage your podcasts.