Tuesday, March 16, 2010

PODCASTING



  • A podcast is a series of digital media files (either audio or video) that are released episodically and downloaded through web syndication.
  • Pod casting is a method of publishing audio files (usually MP3s) to the Web, which are then made available through subscription and automatically downloaded to a personal computer or portable MP3 player.
  • The mode of delivery differentiates podcast from other means of accessing media files over the Internet, such as direct download, or streamed webcasting.

  • Commonly used audio file formats are Ogg Vorbis and MP3.
  • A list of all the audio or video files currently associated with a given series is maintained centrally on the distributor's server as a web feed, and the listener or viewer employs special client application software known as a podcatcher that can access this web feed, check it for updates, and download any new files in the series.

WIKIS


  • Wiki is a piece of server software that allows users to freely create and edit Web page content using any Web browser.
  • Wiki is a combination of a CGI script and a collection of plain text files that allows users to create Web pages “on the fly.”
  • Wiki supports hyperlinks and has simple text syntax for creating new pages and cross link between internal pages on the fly.
  • Wiki is unusual among group communication mechanisms in that it allows the organization of contributions to be edited in addition to the content itself.
  • Easiest and most effective Web-based collaboration tool in any instructional portfolio.
  • Provides direct (and immediate) access to a site’s content, which is crucial in group editing or other collaborative project activities.
  • In addition, wikis are being used as e-portfolios, illustrating their utility as a tool for collection and reflection.
  • Can use wikis to collaborate on projects, whether editing a textbook, preparing a journal article, or assembling a syllabus or reading list.
  • Wiki enabled projects can provide various levels of site access and control to team members, offering a fine-tuning element that enhances the teaching and learning experience.