By DANIELLE HERNANDEZ
By now, most people have heard of podcasting. It has recently grown especially after the Covid-19 Pandemic. Ever since Mr. Waldie’s media and Journalism class has been in the school, podcasting has been a favorite role for many of the students apart from the elective class. There are several rotations and before I moved to the newsletter, I started off with podcasting. While the experience was hands-on and fun, there were several steps to take just to make one episode per week. This article will show how the process of podcasting works in this class.
At first, the podcaster is assigned the role of a podcaster. Now it scares many at first because Mr. Waldie goes through a lesson along with practice at the beginning of the year to teach people about how to make a podcast. It is an easy process--in my opinion but may be challenging for others; however, most people get the click on it during their first or second try. That is why students are encouraged to make an outline for their podcast--to get things ready for recording. In the outline there is a script and summary along with the description for the podcast of the week.
Once done with the outline then the podcast will need a picture to represent the agenda of the podcast. Each podcaster will have a topic to stick to the whole rotation and a picture would go perfect with a great title name for the entire podcast. When taking the photo, the photo should be as creative as one can get and related to the topic. The podcaster does not have to take a picture each time but they could for better photography practice.
Onto the next part: recording. The script has been written and the podcast’s cover was taken. It is time to record or interview. The podcaster has to sign out a podcast set--that involves mics, headphones, and a recorder--then record in the studio or elsewhere now that they have a set. Key tip, if one doesn’t have any equipment then they can also use their IPhone, if they have an android then they can download a voice recorder app. Before recording, it is advised to interview someone but it is totally fine to record just their voice.
It is important to have great questions and information for the podcast. The podcaster shouldn’t be monotone or constantly feed information out, but rather have fun with the show and try to make the audience delighted. Always remember to make a good impression since there will always be an audience. The first try wouldn’t be the best but success takes a while for many. The podcaster also has three days to work on their podcast and longer if they work during weekends or breaks.
When it comes to editing the video, it is easy for others while it can be difficult too. But, the skills that are taught can be enhanced the more one works on their progress. The whole class is about doing better than one already can when it comes to the art of media and journalism. The app that students use has a lot of buttons to press on but most of them familiarize themselves with the system and the podcast is created in a short amount of time.
After all of the week’s work is finished then the student must take it to their Google Doc that was created by the teachers for the whole class. A student has to make their own folder under the podcasting folder with their name. The folder consists of the student’s saved audio, outline, and the image they chose. Now that they’re finished, critique day is on Thursday. On Thursday, the whole class will sit and listen to the student’s work. When finished, the class will give their feedback in a positive then constructive criticism way. It might hurt one’s abilities at first but that’s a part of the process to get better at one’s skill.
At the end of the day, this is a very fun elective class to take. There are so many activities and no one is left behind. The class has a great atmosphere and it is very welcoming. As students progress in the year, more friendships are made along with progress on their work. This is coming from someone who’s currently enrolled in the class encouraging lower class men to join it. There is so much positivity from the teachers to even the audience that consumes our media. This class is the perfect opportunity for those who would like to pursue a career with technology, communications, or English but this class is open to anyone who’s below a senior level with a great grade in literature.
Comments