For Podcast Users
- What is a podcast?
- The term podcast comes from iPod + broadcast. Podcasts are digital audio or video recordings that can be downloaded to a computer and, optionally, transferred to a portable media player, such as an iPod, Zune, or other type of MP3 or MP4 player. Podcasts often have a subscription feature (RSS, or Really Simple Syndication) that automates the downloads so new recordings are automatically added to the subscriber's media library. Video podcasts are sometimes called vodcasts.
- What is iTunes U?
- iTunes U is a feature of Apple Inc.'s iTunes Music Store that gives universities a centralized means of distributing educational audio and video podcasts of class lectures and campus events.
- How do I get to NAU's iTunes U site?
- NAU has two iTunes U sites: the public site [EXPECTED FALL 2008] and the private site. The public site is for anyone. The private site requires an NAU login ID and password. Additionally, some podcasts on the private site are restricted to certain audiences—for example, only students enrolled in certain classes.
- How do I get iTunes software, and what does it cost?
- Download it from Apple's site. iTunes is free.
- Do I need an iPod to use iTunes U?
- No. You can install Apple's iTunes software on a Mac or PC and then download and listen to the podcasts on your computer. You'll need speakers or earphones or headphones to listen to podcasts on your computer. If you have a portable media player other than an iPod, check the documentation that came with it to find out what file types it can play. Many media players can play most podcast formats, but some enhanced podcasts (those that include .pdf files or other supplementary material) might not work on all media players.
- Can I burn a CD or DVD from a podcast that I downloaded?
- Yes, if your computer is equipped with a CD or DVD burner. Do not make illegal copies of copyrighted material.
- Where are my downloaded podcasts from iTunes U stored?
- By default, iTunes U podcasts are stored in your iTunes Music folder. On a Mac this is usually in your iTunes folder, which is inside your Music folder (Music > iTunes > iTunes Music). On a PC the folder is usually in your My Music folder. However, if you've changed the default settings in iTunes, the podcasts will be stored in the folder or directory that you specified.
- What if I don't like iTunes and want to use Windows Media Player or some other podcast player software (also called podcatchers) on my computer?
- To download podcasts that are posted on the NAU's private section of iTunes U, you must use iTunes. However, after you've downloaded the podcasts, you can listen to them in whatever player you prefer. See also Juice (PC and Mac) and PodNova (PC, Mac, Linux). PodcatcherMatrix is one site that compares podcatchers. Note: NAU does not endorse these other products and provides technical support for iTunes only. You're on your own if you choose to use other podcatchers.
- Do NAU's podcasts on iTunes U include any kind of digital rights management (DRM)?
- Not unless the podcast creator included DRM.
- Where can I find other podcasts?
- iTunes lists many podcasts, and so do lots of web sites. Learn Out Loud, PodcastDirectory.com, Podcast.net, Podcast Alley, Podcasting News, and NPR Podcast Directory are examples. Vodcasts.tv specializes in vodcasts (video podcasts).
For Podcast Creators
- Why should I create a podcast?
- See Podcast Basics.
- Can anyone create a podcast?
- Yes, given access to the right tools.
- How do I create a podcast?
- See Creating Podcasts.
- Can I use someone else's copyrighted material in my podcast?
- Generally no, not without written permission from the copyright holder. See Podcast Basics.
- Where can I find uncopyrighted material to use in my podcasts?
- Create your own, or search for material available under a Creative Commons license or in the public domain.
- How do I add NAU's logo to my podcast?
- NAU's Marketing Department has a download page where you can get logos and a graphics style guide on how to properly use the logos. The logo file format that you need depends on the tool(s) you're using to create your podcast.
- How do I upload my podcast to iTunes U?
- See Uploading Podcasts.
- Do I have to put my podcast in iTunes U?
- No. See Uploading Podcasts.
