Objective

To develop an understanding of podcasting production techniques and applications.

Description

Produce, promote, and distribute at least six (6) episodes of a podcast centered around a particular topic. Episodes may be no more than 15 minutes in length. This project may be for you or a business or non-profit client. If the project is based on a personal interest, then you must create a website for the podcast. You may use any publicly available service to host the podcast files and you must publish the podcast to Apple Podcasts.

A few example program formats include:

Resources

• Hardware (available at Checkout) 
  • Podcasting Kit w/RødeProcaster Pro (requires Micro SDHC card)
  • Podcasting Studio w/RødeProcaster Pro. Enter through BRAGG 155 (card swipe.) (RødeProcaster Pro uses Micro SDHC card). Use MTSU Checkout to reserve the room.
  • Walker Library Podcasting Studio (248A) – a four-microphone studio can be reserved at this link. Requires Training.
  • Tascam DR-40 (requires SDHC card) or Zoom H4n (requires SDHC card) digital recorder, XLR cable, lavaliere microphone(s.)
  • You may NOT use a smartphone to record your podcast.
• Software
  • Adobe Audition (Creative Cloud), Audacity (free)
• Hosting
  • Anchor, Buzzsprout, PodBean, etc.
• Distribution
  • Apple Podcasts
• Tutorials
  • RødeProcaster Pro – Manual | Training
  • Tascam DR-40 – Manual | Training
  • Zoom H4n – Manual  |  Training
  • Tools-for-Podcasting ebook
  • Apple Podcasts for Creators

Project Deliverable

Research: (100 pts)

Research three (3) examples of podcasts that are similar to the one you intend to create. They should be similar in subject or creative approach. Create a document outlining the following:

• The objective for the examples should include what the audience should be able to know, learn, or do after using the example. “I don’t know” is not an example of an answer.
• The audience of the example. This should include age, gender, geographic location, socioeconomic level, media and device use, etc. “Not sure” is not an example of an answer.
• A rundown of each example detailing the main sections of the example (opening, main section, promo, closing, etc.) that describe that section and its length. This should look like the following.
  • Open – :30
  • First topic – 1:20
  • Promo – :20
  • Closing – :45
• Client for the example (if any.)
• Linked URLs of the examples you find.
• Analysis: Why are these appropriate examples for your project? Do they use the medium effectively and why? What works and why? What doesn’t work and why?

You may also include additional sources you found that are not examples but pertain to the media you will use or the topic you will cover. See the Project Brief for details.

Delivered to D2L as an MS Word document (PDF or Pages documents will not be accepted, no exceptions.)\

Project brief (100 pts)

• Podcast title.
• Explain the objective of your project.
• Describe the intended audience, including demographics.
• Describe where you will host your podcast (Buzzsprout, Anchor, etc.)
• Provide the metadata (such as title, producer, date, etc.) required for the publishing platform.
• Create a rundown of each episode’s content.
• Describe how you will promote the project.
• Create show notes for each episode.
• Create a podcast cover graphic.
• Describe the tool or software used and the reason for that choice.
• Provide an episode release schedule.
• Provide a Task List with names of responsible individuals and the deadline dates for the tasks.
• If appropriate, provide detailed contact information for the client and/or subject-matter expert (SME) and any cited sources for the information included in the project.

Use this Project Brief template. The filename should be LASTNAME_PROJECTNAME_brief.

Use this Task List template. The filename should be LASTNAME_PROJECTNAME_tasklist

Delivered to D2L as an MS Word document (PDF or Pages documents will not be accepted, no exceptions.)

Completed Project (200 pts)

• At least six (6) episodes, 15 minutes maximum length.
• Audio is audible and recorded without hiss, buzz, or unnecessary background sound and is encoded and compressed for distribution.
• Edits are properly paced.
• Upload the project to an appropriate podcast host such as Buzzsprout, Anchor, etc.
• Publish the podcast to Apple Podcasts, etc. Follow all requirements for metadata, artwork, etc. required for submission to the chosen directory. Here are directions for what you will use when you submit your podcast. Your podcast host will probably have a step-by-step process or a submission page that will walk you through these requirements.
• Embed a podcast player with the episodes on your website OR create a website for the project. The website should include posts for each episode including show notes and an embedded podcast player. The website should also have an About page that provides information about the podcast, a Podcast page with the episodes or series player embedded, and a Contact page.
• Create social media posts for each episode on at least one appropriate social media account.

Submit an MS Word document (PDF or Pages documents will not be accepted, no exceptions) to the D2L dropbox with the following information.

• URL of your website page about the project
• Screengrabs of the information you submitted to Apple Podcasts Connect.
• URL of the finished project
• URLs of the social media account used (hashtagged #iam3210.)

Submit a separate MS Word document (PDF or Pages documents will not be accepted, no exceptions) with your Usage of Generative AI Justification (if applicable) to the D2L dropbox.

Reflection:

Submit a 250-word reflection paper about your project that addresses the following questions.

• What surprised you as you found out more about the project?
• Why did you use the creative approach to the subject? Would you choose the same approach again or go in another direction, and why?
• How will you apply the outcome of the project to your professional life?
• What skills/knowledge does it suggest you will need to achieve those goals?
• How can you work to develop the necessary skills or knowledge?

The document is delivered to D2L as an MS Word document (PDF or Pages documents will not be accepted, no exceptions.)

This is an individual assignment, not from your team.

Due Dates

See the Course Schedule for Project 1 and 2 due dates.

Evaluation

Points will be awarded based on adherence to the Project Deliverables.

Total points available – 500