Project #1: Podcasting

Podcasting Project

The purpose of this project is to expose you to one of the new multimedia web genres, allow you to gain experience in collaborating, and allow you to gain experience in writing professional proposals and audio scripts.

The Project: Create a 3-10 minute podcast on a topic of your choice. You may use any software or platform, but the final podcast must be in MP3 format.

The elements of the project are as follows:

Project Proposal (10%): Your group must write a 2 page proposal that details your topic and plan of execution. The proposal should include:

  • A paragraph description of what your podcast is about – topic, focus, issues, etc. Is this podcast informative, educational, entertaining?
  • A paragraph that defines who your primary audience is for this podcast. What are their expectations?

    • A detailed outline of the major points/highlights in your podcast (at least half a page).

  • A timeline for completion of your podcast
  • A breakdown of responsibilities of each group member (Who will be doing what?)
  • Software and hardware necessary for completion (and where you will get it)
  • Where you plan on posting the completed project.

Podcasting topics must be proposed and approved before you can begin.

Podcast (80%): Good podcasts are clearly recorded, interesting, and are often accompanied by music, graphics, or any number of other elements. An “A” project for this assignment sounds professional, meets goals and standards described in your proposal, and is interesting. Additional features, like including links, images, and extras also contribute to a higher grade

Peer Collaborative Response (5%): A Peer Collaboration response is required of each individual working on the project. These should be turned in on the day the project is due.

Podcast Analysis (5%): A written group response (approximately two pages) that answers the following questions:

  • Who is the audience for this podcast? How does the does the podcast cater to that audience?
  • What went well when working on the podcast? Where were you the most successful?
  • What areas did your group have difficulty with during this assignment? If you could, what would you change?
  • Has your purpose, audience, or context changed from your proposal to your podcast? If so, what has changed and why?

Extra Credit Opportunity: The Purdue OWL is looking for podcasts on writing-related and rhetoric-related topics. If your group is interested in developing a podcast for the OWL, you will receive substantial extra credit. Talk to me if you are interested.