Spelling Podcast

Tonight I decided it's time to start creating some podcasts for the year. Yes, I realize I'm getting started a little late in the game, but I figured that it's better now than not at all.

I decided to start with something fairly easy and I chose our weekly spelling list. First I created slides in PowerPoint with each word listed. Then I saved those slides as JPEG's to import them into Windows Movie Maker. Once I was in Movie Maker, I recorded my voice to read along with each slide. After saving the file, I was able to convert it into an MP4 so that I could import it into my iTunes account. From here I can put the file on our class iPod so that students can follow along with the reading. I can also save the file to our class website so that students can practice the words at home.

I followed the same process for creating a spelling test. However, instead of giving a slide with each word listed, I just created one slide and called the words in random order. Now if I have a student absent on Friday, they can make up the test on their own using the iPods without needing me!!

I know that many of you probably didn't understand everything (or anything) that I just explained. So, I created a couple of short videos to help you understand the process. I will be glad to walk you through any of this at school if you would prefer.

This first video explains how to save your PPT slides as a JPEG.

After you create your podcast in Movie Maker, you will want to save it as a Movie Maker Project, and then publish it as a .WMV (Windows Media Video). Saving the podcast as a MMP allows you to go back into the project and make changes. After you save the file as a .WMV you will have to convert the file to an MP4. I use either Jodix or Any Video Converter to do this. Once it is an MP4, I can import it into my iTunes library. The next video will explain importing to iTunes.