A Podcast for Isolation: Podcast Project Activity!

Podcast Project
Start off by answering these quick brainstorming questions:

• What do you like to talk about? Do you have a favorite author or are a fan of a particular sports team or actor?
• Many podcasts are either news-centered, political, revolve around an author/artist/director/actor or address a fan base of some sort (like Game of Thrones or My Little Pony), but they could also be broader topics like sports, westerns, Legos, board-games, Dungeons & Dragons, karate, haiku, fashion, bands, films, your favorite author, your favorite foods, your favorite teachers, the Illuminati, etc. The choices are only limited to your imagination and what you care to talk about!
• Brainstorm in your journal/notes topics that you would want to speak about for 2-6 minutes. Make a written list so you can physically see all your choices. The best choices are usually a bit further down your list (as opposed to the first thing you think of...) (see below for details on the project!)
• Will you be doing the podcast solo or will you have other hosts? (you can have up to 3 speakers/peers working on this project, but the more hosts the longer your minimum requirement!) All members of a group MUST speak during the Podcast Program!
• How do I do that during isolation? 
• You could use Zoom or Google hangouts or any other video conferencing program. 
• Have one of the participants (probably the host) record your audio session using their chrome books (or laptop) or record your audio with a cell phone... For example, here are instructions on how to do that with Zoom and with Google hangouts.
• What segments do you want to cover (e.g. tip of the day, reviews, reading a selection from text, breaking news, advice, interviews, etc.)? See my previous post for sample Podcasts. Use those samples as models for the kind of thing I'm expecting.
• How long will your podcast be? [your podcast should be between 2-3 minutes if you are alone, or 3-5 minutes if you have one partner, or 5-6 minutes if you have 3. Please do not go above 7 minutes in length. 
• That means you might have to edit your final recording.
• Please include a short music intro and outro. You can also use sound effects and music between segments. You should include at least 2 different kinds of segments (see below). Music cues should be part of your outline for your program. 
• Once you have edited and completed your podcast, send me the Podcast link or file for the class to share. It'll be good to hear your voices. In order to do that, there are a variety of easy ways:
• Upload to Youtube.
• Upload to Spotify.
• Upload to Audacity.
• How to submit your Podcast to Spotify (and other programs)
• How to edit a Podcast using Buzzsprout.
• How to edit a Podcast in Audacity.
• Advice on editing/recording.
• And there are all kinds of help online. Choose your platform and search the web.
• The first thing you should do, though, is take all this information in, decide on a topic, then create an outline of your podcast "show". 

Podcasts are not generally scripted but may include scripted parts where needed. If you are reading a text to comment on it (for example a news article, or a short story, or a poem excerpt) you will need a copy of the text. Otherwise, you are engaging in conversation--this should, however, be an informed conversation. Podcasts that just "wing it" by blabbing a lot generally are not popular. Podcasts that have a point, or where speakers know what it is they are talking about are more popular.

Project Rubric:

A: Podcast is recorded and is of adequate length. Project has a creative and interesting intro, welcome message, speakers speak with energy and interest on well researched and prepared topics or issues. Clear and creative segments enhance the enjoyment of listening to the podcast. Podcast is insightful and interesting to a listening audience. A conclusion and outro remind listeners to tune in next time for a specific reason. Project is turned in on time. A detailed and descriptive outline is turned in with no errors in formatting for outlines. Outline clearly represents what is discussed or covered in the podcast/sound file. Speakers were insightful and energetic, interesting, or spoke with confidence about their topic.
B: Podcast is recorded and of adequate length. Project has an interesting intro, welcome message, clear and creative segments, and an outro sound cue or theme. Project is turned in on time. Outline is turned in, with only minor errors or discrepancies to actual sound file. Speakers clearly understood what they were talking about.
C: Podcast is recorded and of adequate length. Project has a definite beginning, middle, and end. Outline is turned in, but may still have some errors in outline format. All members of the project spoke.
D: Project could have been scores above, but was late or incomplete, but turned in.
F: Project not turned in or completed.

Instead of a script, you will be required to turn in an outline of your podcast. Again, a sample outline might look like this:

Here is an example segment structure for a music podcast:

1. Intro Theme Song

2. Welcome Message

3. Announcements

4. Song Intro

5. Song

6. Song Intro

7. Song

8. Music News

9. Final Comments

10. Outro Theme Song

Here is an example segment structure for a tech news podcast:

1. Intro & Welcome

2. Announcements

3. Top 10 Tech News Headlines with Commentary

4. Tech Quick Tip

5. Outro

Here is an example segment structure for a review show (movies, food, books/author, etc.):

1. Intro Theme Song

2. Welcome

3. Announcements

4. First Review

5. Second Review

6. Interview

7. Third Review

8. Final Comments

9. Outro Music

NOTE: Your outline should be a little more detailed than this by including what your topic of discussion is (what are you reviewing, or what is your tip, or what headline or text are you using?) You may find it useful to write down as many of the details you need on your outline so you can use this outline to guide your podcast and keep you on track. You may also find it useful to research your topic a bit. Ask: what might listeners like to hear or know about my topic? What might inform my discussion? What details do I need to report to my listening audience?

TIPS when recording:

• Record your podcast in small bits. It's harder to speak for 3 minutes without screwing up or losing track of what you're doing.
• Shorter audio clips are easier to work with and edit. [Make sure you know where you save your audio files...!]
• You will want to create an MP3 or MP4 of your voice. Use a recording device to save your audio file in this format. There are a variety of converters you can use online, or ask a tech savvy friend, or, if you have an iPhone check out this short tutorial video; or instructions on how to record audio with a smartphone... 
• Many people use the program: Audacity to record their podcasts. You can too, but you'll have to download it to your own computers. I'm not sure how well you can do this with Chromebooks. You might find it easier to use your own family computer if you have one. 
• Once you have an MP3 file, you can share the file for our class, or upload your audio into one of the programs I linked above. 
• NOTE: If you are terrible at tech, partner with someone who can teach you how to do this sort of thing. That person might be in a different class as well--or you can make this a family event! You may partner with a sibling or parent and they might be able to help teach you the ropes of making a podcast. Choose someone you like to learn from. The internet also has great sources. 

More Advice on How to do it:

Hey! Watch these videos/read these linked articles to help you get started on the nuts and bolts of the assignment!

• Important websites to examine! How to Set Up Your Podcast
• Podcasting 101: From Setup to Publish in 10 Minutes (video tutorial)

Introduction to Podcasting

NOTE: Please continue and complete your radio scripts. These will be due by the end of the marking period at this point. Most students were very close to finishing their drafts before we closed the district schools. Finish those scripts.

In the meantime this week, as we attempt to return to learning, take a look at the following Podcasts:

Similar to radio scripts is the podcast. Listen to some sample podcasts from the list linked below. As you listen, begin thinking about the kind of podcast you might create. There are many styles. Here are some of the more popular ones:  

• This American Life (realistic and culturally relatable audio "essay"-type podcasts)
• The Writer's Almanac (Garrison Keillor's excellent and inspirational literary podcast)
• Welcome to Nightvale (a comedic, surrealistic epic about a town that is doomed)
• The HP Lovecraft Literary Podcast (podcasts about horror stories)
• Tales from the Tavern (a fantasy podcast)
• Critical Role (an RPG (D&D) podcast)
• S-Town (a mystery podcast)
• Off the Ball (sports podcasts)
• Luminary Podcasts (all sorts of podcasts for every taste in every genre)

Try listening to one (or more) of these podcasts. As you listen, note the STRUCTURE of the podcast. How is the podcast you are listening to similar/different from a radio play? Which form is better in your opinion? Why? Take notes of your reaction and in YOUR BLOG write a review of one of the episodes/podcasts you listened to. Remember: 

• Post your commentary on YOUR blog.
• Give your readers a little background or context for the Podcast you listened to. (You can find out details about these podcasts on their websites!)
• Include a short summary of the episode your listened to.
• Evaluate your listening experience of the podcast. See and answer the questions posed above.
• Make sure you link (use a hyperlink) your episode and possibly the website of the Podcast you listened to.
• Include a picture on your post. 

This is an assignment that will be due by the end of the marking period.

Here is an example segment structure for a music podcast:

1. Intro Theme Song

2. Welcome Message

3. Announcements

4. Song Intro

5. Song

6. Song Intro

7. Song

8. Music News

9. Final Comments

10. Outro Theme Song

Here is an example segment structure for a tech news podcast:

1. Intro & Welcome

2. Announcements

3. Top 10 Tech News Headlines with Commentary

4. Tech Quick Tip

5. Outro

Here is an example segment structure for a review show (movies, food, books/author, etc.):

1. Intro Theme Song

2. Welcome

3. Announcements

4. First Review

5. Second Review

6. Interview

7. Third Review

8. Final Comments

9. Outro Music

HOMEWORK: Listen to a podcast. See links above. Post a review of the podcast you listened to on YOUR blog.

A Message from our Superintendent

I will be contacting you through this blog site and our Google Classroom for updates or important new information regarding our course. In the meantime, please stay safe and calm. See the following message from our Superintendent...

"After consultation with Monroe County Executive Adam Bello, Public Health Commissioner Dr. Mike Mendoza, and the Monroe County Superintendents, it was decided that all Monroe County Public Schools, including the Rochester City School District, will be closed to students beginning Monday, March 16 until further notice. This closing includes all school-related activities including sports and other extracurricular activities.

[If you need any assistance or have questions/concerns or additional help, please call the Main Office at SOTA and we'll try to help!]

While this situation remains fluid, RCSD will begin implementing supports for families, including meals for students, beginning Monday, March 16. Please check the District’s Updates and Resources About COVID-19  (www.rcsdk12.org/covid19) webpage for information about these resources, as well as other updates.

We will continue to monitor this situation in partnership with the Monroe County Health Department and school leaders on a week-to-week basis and will provide an update by midday Friday. As a reminder...monitor your email regularly for updated communications. Please continue to check the District’s Updates and Resources About COVID-19  (www.rcsdk12.org/covid19) webpage for updates as well.

Our goal is to provide as many supports and resources to you, our students, and the entire community. In times like these, it is essential for us to prioritize health and safety while doing everything we can to support our students and families throughout this ever-changing situation. Please take care of each other. We will get through this working together as one Rochester family.

Sincerely,

Terry Dade

Superintendent of Schools

Radio Play Drafts; Chapter 5 ?'s, Part 2 Due!

Please use the time in class today to complete (if possible) your radio script drafts. See homework.

Due today are your chapter 5 ?'s, part 2--please remember to include your annotations with your answers. Answers should be on a separate sheet of paper, please.

HOMEWORK: Please complete your radio play draft by next class if you did not complete it during class today.

Radio Script Project: Day 3

Please continue to write your radio scripts in class.

If you get stuck or just want to improve your writing quality, take a look at these tips/videos/advice about writing a radio script:

• How to Write a Radio Drama
• Writing Audio Scripts - The Basics
• Format an Audio Script
• Model/Behind the Scenes: C.S. Lewis' The Screwtape Letters Audio Drama
• Script Writing Advice From the BBC

Your play script should be between 6-15 pages in correct RADIO FORMAT. Please make sure you arrange and format your script correctly.

If you finish early, go back after watching some of the links above and edit/revise your work so that it is the best you can make it at this time.

HOMEWORK: Chapter 5, Part 2 ?'s; due Friday.

Radio Script Project: Day 2

BBC Radio Drama clip

BBC Radio Plays/Recordings:

• Fantasy/Sci-Fi
• Crime
• Horror
• Action/Adventure
• Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy on BBC 4
• How to use sound in your plays (advice)

For more BBC sample radio scripts, check the link.

RADIO SCRIPT PROJECT

• We will be writing our own radio play scripts. Here are a few rules/guidelines:
• You may work alone or with a partner. 
• If you work with a partner, please use Google docs (and share privileges with your partner) so that both authors can work on the script at the same time. Note: both students should type and add to the project, not just one person giving dictation to the other.
• Your script episode should be between 6-12 pages, formatted in proper radio script format. We'll cover radio format next class.
• Your script should include a title page and cast list (these pages do not count as part of your required 6-12 page length!) You may put your cast list on the same page as your title. See the copy of "Hitchhiker's Guide" or "The Hitchhiker" or "War of the Worlds" as models.
• Your script idea can be taken from an already published source (or from your own story drafts, adapted for a radio show). You may, of course, make up a new original story.
• You may write in any genre. Popular genres include drama, comedy, science fiction/fantasy, romance, or children's programming (which is usually fantasy). 
• Rely on SX (sound effects). Consider your scenes to include ambient noise or sound cues that signal to the listener as to where the scene takes place (setting), or what action is happening during the dialogue of your characters (plot). 
• Consult the handout scripts I gave you and that we have heard in class for ideas, formatting ("The Hitchhiker" or "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" for example), or select one of the play scripts from the BBC as further models/examples. See link here or the ones above in this post. You can change the genre/format at the drop-down box on the webpage.
• Note: fantasy, science fiction, and action work nicely as radio scripts. This is because all special effects are sound effects, and there is no budget other than imagery to describe expensive sets for the settings of the world...
• See, read, and follow the radio script format for this project. Your formatting will count as part of your grade.
• Brainstorm some ideas first. You may find it helpful to outline or sketch your idea first. Write a 1-sentence premise (what is the play or episode going to be about?) My radio play/episode is about...and post this in the COMMENT section below.
• For further tips writing a radio play (or coming up with an idea) check out this article from the BBC.
• You might find this template helpful.
• After you have come up with a premise (and possibly a synopsis of your story), you may begin grabbing our attention with the beginning of your script. Use the rest of your time in the lab today working on your play or play idea. This project is not due yet.

HOMEWORK: None.

Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Day 2

Please turn in your Chapter answers and your summary of The War of the Worlds. These are due today.

We will continue to listen and read along to the radio show: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy.

Again, as we read, notice how sound and sound FX are used to help tell the story. Notice also the creative use of a "narrator" to describe the setting, plot, characters, conflicts, or themes in the story so the listening audience can follow the main story plot. For more information about the radio play and its prodigious pop culture success, check out this article.

After listening to this example and learning about Douglas Adams' ideas for the show, let's do our own brainstorming ideas. You don't have to be drunk in a field in Innsbruck to come up with a snazzy idea for your radio play script project. Here are the rules/directions to help you get started:

RADIO SCRIPT PROJECT

• We will be writing our own radio play scripts. Here are a few rules/guidelines:
• You may work alone or with a partner. 
• If you work with a partner, please use Google docs (and share privileges with your partner) so that both authors can work on the script at the same time. Note: both students should type and add to the project, not just one person giving dictation to the other.
• Your script episode should be between 6-12 pages, formatted in proper radio script format. We'll cover radio format next class.
• Your script should include a title page and cast list (these pages do not count as part of your required 6-12 page length!) You may put your cast list on the same page as your title. See the copy of "Hitchhiker's Guide" or "The Hitchhiker" or "War of the Worlds" as models.
• Your script idea can be taken from an already published source (or from your own story drafts, adapted for a radio show). You may, of course, make up a new original story.
• You may write in any genre. Popular genres include drama, comedy, science fiction/fantasy, romance, or children's programming (which is usually fantasy). 
• Rely on SX (sound effects). Consider your scenes to include ambient noise or sound cues that signal to the listener as to where the scene takes place (setting), or what action is happening during the dialogue of your characters (plot). 
• Consult the handout scripts I gave you and that we have heard in class for ideas, formatting ("The Hitchhiker" or "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" for example), or select one of the play scripts from the BBC as further models/examples. See link here. You can change the genre/format at the drop-down box on the webpage.
• Note: fantasy, science fiction, and action work nicely as radio scripts. This is because all special effects are sound effects, and there is no budget other than imagery to describe expensive sets for the settings of the world...
• See, read, and follow the radio script format for this project. Your formatting will count as part of your grade.
• Brainstorm some ideas first. You may find it helpful to outline or sketch your idea first. Write a 1-sentence premise (what is the play or episode going to be about?) My radio play/episode is about...and post this in the COMMENT section below.
• For further tips writing a radio play (or coming up with an idea) check out this article from the BBC.
• After you have come up with a premise, you may begin grabbing our attention with the beginning of your script. Use the rest of your time in the lab today working on your play or play idea. This project is not due yet.

HOMEWORK: None.

The War of the Worlds; Douglas Adams' The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy: Day 1; Radio Script Project: Premise/Brainstorm

Period 7:

Fake news is nothing new. One of the most influential "fake" news broadcasts created a public panic in 1938. Orson Welles was to blame, but this broadcast cemented his fame for the rest of his life.

Please read about Orson Welles at the following link and from the article/script of War of the Worlds. Find out the following information and take NOTES that you will turn in by the end of class.

1. Who is Orson Welles?
2. Name 3 different things he did that influenced mass media.

Please turn in your answers to these 2 questions before you leave class today. After reading/listening to the radio broadcast of War of the Worlds (1938), summarize the plot of the radio play. We'll get started in class, but please complete this program by Thursday.

To ensure that you view this material, I will collect your notes for classwork credit Thursday, March 5 and, possibly, test you on the material, including The Hitchhiker's Guide... (see homework).

Read and then listen to the actual broadcast from 1938, you can find it here...Enjoy! War of the Worlds, 1938. Please finish listening to this broadcast and/or reading the script and summarize the story for classwork due Thursday--see HOMEWORK for more details.

Period 8:

Today, we will listen and read along to the radio show: The Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy. As we read, notice how sound and sound FX are used to help tell the story. Notice also the creative use of a "narrator" to describe setting, plot, characters, conflicts, or themes in the story so the listening audience can follow the main story plot. For more information about the radio play and its prodigious pop culture success, check out this article.

After listening to this example and learning about Douglas Adams' ideas for the show, let's do our own brainstorming ideas. You don't have to be drunk in a field in Innsbruck to come up with a snazzy idea for your radio play script project. Here are the rules/directions to help you get started:

RADIO SCRIPT PROJECT

• We will be writing our own radio play scripts. Here are a few rules/guidelines:
• You may work alone or with a partner. 
• If you work with a partner, please use Google docs (and share privileges with your partner) so that both authors can work on the script at the same time. Note: both students should type and add to the project, not just one person giving dictation to the other.
• Your script episode should be between 6-12 pages, formatted in proper radio script format. We'll cover radio format next class.
• Your script should include a title page and cast list (these pages do not count as part of your required 6-12 page length!) You may put your cast list on the same page as your title. See the copy of "Hitchhiker's Guide" or "The Hitchhiker" or "War of the Worlds" as models.
• Your script idea can be taken from an already published source (or from your own story drafts, adapted for a radio show). You may, of course, make up a new original story.
• You may write in any genre. Popular genres include drama, comedy, science fiction/fantasy, romance, or children's programming (which is usually fantasy). 
• Rely on SX (sound effects). Consider your scenes to include ambient noise or sound cues that signal to the listener as to where the scene takes place (setting), or what action is happening during the dialogue of your characters (plot). 
• Consult the handout scripts I gave you and that we have heard in class for ideas, formatting ("The Hitchhiker" or "Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy" for example), or select one of the play scripts from the BBC as further models/examples. See link here. You can change the genre/format at the drop down box on the webpage.
• Note: fantasy, science fiction, and action work nicely as radio scripts. This is because all special effects are sound effects, and there is no budget other than imagery to describe expensive sets for the settings of the world...
• See, read, and follow the radio script format for this project. Your formatting will count as part of your grade.
• Brainstorm some ideas first. You may find it helpful to outline or sketch your idea first. Write a 1-sentence premise (what is the play or episode going to be about?) My radio play/episode is about...
• For further tips writing a radio play (or coming up with an idea) check out this article from the BBC.
• After you have come up with a premise, you may begin grabbing our attention with the beginning of your script. Use the rest of your time in the lab today working on your play or play idea. This project is not due yet.

HOMEWORK: Please read part one of the chapter on radio and answer the questions for THURSDAY, March 5. Read the fiction/prose sample of A Hitchhiker's Guide to the Galaxy by Douglas Adams and complete War of the Worlds by Thursday, March 5 as well. Be prepared for a quiz on both pieces. Summarize the plot (to hand in) of The War of the Worlds.