Biology Unit 3
Exploring genetics through podcasting
Activity 1: Knowing the basics
Before we start this unit, there are some terms that you need to be familiar with linked to podcasting. The term podcasting means the automatic distribution of MP3s via RSS/XML files. These words are explained below.
Podcasts
A podcast is a series of digital-media files, which are distributed over the internet using syndication feeds (RSS) for playback on portable media players and computers. The term podcast, like broadcast, can refer either to the content of the series itself or to the method by which it is syndicated; the latter is also called podcasting.
The host or author of a podcast is often called a podcaster. Podcasting lets you automatically receive the latest episode of your chosen programme as soon as it is available. Watch this excellent video, which summarises what podcasting is all about.
MP3 format
MP3 is sound file format, which is popular for music on the internet. MP3 strips out a lot of the information recorded in a song that our ears aren't able to hear and uses complicated maths to reduce the file size. This means that you can include hundreds of songs in MP3 format on a CD. There are programmes such as Windows Media Player, Winamp and so on, which allow you to play MP3s. You can record sound in MP3 format using free software such as Audacity and also using an MP3 player/recorder. Watch a video which explains what MP3 files are: HowStuffWorks.com - How MP3 Files Work
RSS/XML files
An RSS/XML file is an important part of the automatic distribution of podcasts. It's the file that the automatic podcast software (iTunes) looks for each day. At first glance, an RSS file is really scary. It has all sorts of tags (far more than an HTML web page) and some make no sense. However, there is simple software that allows you to create a RSS/XML file associated with any podcasts you create. In addition, anywhere you see the RSS/XML button, all you need to do is copy and paste that code into a podcast receiver, e.g. iTunes, and you will have subscribed to that podcast series (it's that simple).
Watch a video which explains all about RSS feeds.
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