Carolina Ramirez                       LSSL Digital Tech for Librarians Podcasts Assignment

Podcasts

Learning Commons Model Podcast🎤: Carolina Ramirez and Jennifer Rodriguez

The Learning Commons Model or also known as the Information Commons is used to describe the different library spaces. The podcast describes or explains more about the Learning Commons Model. Click on the link to listen to the podcast:  https://www.podbean.com/wlei/pb-79hwd-1701c49

For this assignment I was able to read the list of many of the podcast websites and applications. I didn't know that there were so many podcasts websites. I have heard some podcasts channels before on different applications. For this assignment I choose to research the following podcast applications: Podbean, Buzzsprout and Anchor. 

Podbean

Podbean has a basic free plan and offers 5 hours of storage space. It provides users with a website and has limited statistics. It also has different payment plans for different users. I have used Podbean before to record and upload the recording to another graduate class. I found it easy to record and upload with no other applications needed. I also have listened to other educational podcasts like the Science of teaching reading podcast though this application. It is user friendly and the application is easy to navigate. It was also easy to learn how to create a podcast from scratch. 

Buzzsprout

I also created a free account with Buzzsprout Podcast. It also have a free basic plan for users with up to two hours of content per month. It also provides different payment plans for their users. However, it does delete your files after 90 days and users will not be able to create a full show archive on the free plan. When I tried creating a podcast, it was a bit difficult for me to create. It is not user friendly in my opinion. In Buzzsprout you have to record with another recording application and then upload the recording to Buzzsprout. Buzzsprout will then convert the file to the appropriate file .WAV file. What was very helpful on Buzzsprout was the ability to have a tutorial to help create the podcast. 

Anchor

I also created a free account for Anchor. Anchor is part of Spotify company. Anchor has only one plan and it is free for all users. The account provides the user with unlimited podcasts. When I tried to make a podcast channel, it directed me to a website called Riverside. On Riverside it prompt me to make another account. I was a bit confused about making another account so I did not even try. When I downloaded the application it prompted me to unlock the application for free but I had to do a free trial for 7 days and then they would charge me $36,99 a year. The Anchor website was very organized and user friendly.  

Some of the things that we need to take into consideration when researching a podcasts are: Storage space, bandwidth, usability, analytics, Wordpress integration and price. 

I finally decided to use Podbean for my podcast for this assignment because I have used it before and I am familiar with the digital tools available. It is also user friendly and I am able to navigate through the application with ease. 

Podcasts in the Library

Podcasts can be utilized in a library in many ways: The librarian can create different read alouds using a podcast channel, create an audio list of books that are of interest to children, create a podcast hub group with students, provide the community with library information in different languages, invite teachers to conduct interviews about what is needed in the library or how to handle library classes and create a STEM podcast channel for technology. 

Benefits of Podcasts

Communicating with student's parents will be easier if the parents are able to hear the information in their own language. Because some parents are illiterate or have problems receiving newsletters, using a podcast and transmitting the channel would alleviate communication problems. Parents and students will be kept up-to-date with library information. Parents can access the information using their cell phones. 

Challenges of using Podcasts

Some of the challenges in using podcasts in the library is the time constraints that the librarian might encounter. For example, a lot of the time the librarian is being pulled out for other duties in the school and has no time to create the podcasts or implement podcasts in the library. Another issue with podcasts might be that the librarian might need to teach the students and staff how to use the podcasts. When I was teaching myself to do a podcast, it took me a long time to learn the correct way to record and upload the recording to create the podcast. 

Educational Podcasts

Podbean has a lot of educational podcasts. They even have an educational category that the user can choose from. Podbean also provides children's read a loud and provides Math tutorials for students in all grade levels. Some of these tutorials have visuals that students can use to solve different math problems. It also provides teachers with insights on how to teach phonics and the Science of Teaching Reading. I highly recommend Podbean for all your educational needs. 

In conclusion, podcasts are a great way to learn about different topics, learn how to do things with tutorials and some podcasts help with reading comprehension (read aloud). 

LaFleur, L. J. (2020). The Collaborative Commons: Collaboration and Leadership in the Academic Library Learning Commons (Order No. 28092517). Available from ProQuest Dissertations & Theses Global. (2636853573). https://ezproxy.shsu.edu/login?url=https://www.proquest.com/dissertations-theses/collaborative-commons-collaboration-leadership/docview/2636853573/se-2

Wool, B. Valenza, J., & Dawkins, A. (2024). The School Library Manager: Leading through Change (7th ed.).Bloomsbury Libraries Unlimited.