ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related institutions.
*****************************************************************************

We have a very local community radio station in the vicinity of the Green
Bank Science Center. I host a monthly show called Mountain Radio
Astronomy.  We took over the hosting of the show almost a year ago-- and a
few months later I realized that while only a few thousand people would
hear the show, if I posted them on the website more people could learn
about the scientists using the Green Bank Telescope.  So, we now create
podcasts. They are simply mp3 audio files. Because the radio station uses
same, we purchased a Sony mini disc recorder and a good mic. I use a Mac
with Griffin iMic and freeware called Audacity to import and edit the
audio, then convert to mp3. Total outlay, about $350 for the equipment.

If you want podcast directories to pick it up and post them where they
will be more accessible, you have to create a little xml file called an
RSS feed. and then sign up on a podcast directory site.

Here's how to make a feed:
http://searchenginewatch.com/sereport/article.php/2175271
Here's the directory I signed up with, showing our podcasts:
http://www.podcast.net/show/87621

The descriptions you see are part of the xml file.

I have absolutely NO idea how to guage how many people actually download
and listen to the things however!

Sue Ann Heatherly
Green Bank Science Center

> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology Centers
> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
> institutions.
> *****************************************************************************
>
> Matthew (or others),
>
> Would you mind elaborating on what podcasting can do for museums and
> learning organizations? I don't really understand the technology but I've
> been hearing a lot about how people are being introduced to all sorts of
> things via podcasting and how it is helpful in promoting education and so
> on. My husband has an "iRiver" which is similar to an iPod but other than
> downloading music, I don't know what these things can do.. and what
> museums
> might be able to use them for.
>
> Thanks in advance,
> Amanda
>
> ***
> Amanda Chesworth, Educational Director
> Committee for the Scientific Investigation of Claims of the Paranormal
> www.csicop.org
> Inquiring Minds Program
> www.inquiringminds.org
> Skeptical Inquirer Magazine
> www.skepticalinquirer.org
> Skeptiseum
> www.skeptiseum.org
> Skeptic's Toolbox
> www.skepticstoolbox.org
>
>
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "Matthew White" <[log in to unmask]>
> To: <[log in to unmask]>
> Sent: Tuesday, November 08, 2005 10:03 AM
> Subject: Podcasting success
>
>
>> ISEN-ASTC-L is a service of the Association of Science-Technology
>> Centers
>> Incorporated, a worldwide network of science museums and related
> institutions.
>>
> ****************************************************************************
> *
>>
>> I know there has been some discussion of Podcasting and other programs
> that
>> use new consumer technologies on this list. I am also aware that many
>> museums and science centers have started to explore Podcasting judging
> from
>> websearches and the iTunes catalog.
>>
>> I was wondering how museums who have implemented podcasting or similar
>> programs, and those who are contemplating it, plan to measure success.
>> Is
> it
>> just a matter of the number of downloads and subscriber? Is there a way
>> to
>> capture email address?
>>
>> I should clarify that here I am talking not about downloadable audio
>> tours
>> a visitor might bring with them to the museum, but stand alone, audio
>> programming people can download and listen to on their own time without
> the
>> need to visit the museum.
>>
>> Any thoughts?
>>
>>
>>
>> Matthew White
>> Director, Hands On Science &
>> Acting Director of Education for the Lemelson
>>      Center for the Study of Invention and Innovation
>> Smithsonian Institution
>> PO Box 37012
>> NMAH MRC 603
>> 14th St. & Constitution Ave
>> Washington, D.C. 20013-7012
>> 202/633-3698
>> FAX:202/357-3328
>> [log in to unmask]
>>
>> Keep in touch!  Visit http://americanhistory.si.edu and sign up for our
>> regular e-newsletter
>>
>> ***********************************************************************
>> More information about the Informal Science Education Network and the
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>
> ***********************************************************************
> More information about the Informal Science Education Network and the
> Association of Science-Technology Centers may be found at
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