In this class students will learn how to create, write, record and publish their own audio podcast. Although not required, students (with parental approval) will be given the opportunity to publish their podcast for a mass audience.
Students will learn how to use their voices to keep listeners ‘tuned in’ as well as how to engage an audience by “telling a story” since even Jesus used stories to communicate. Students will learn the importance of being relevant and interesting to their listening audience and gain experience in interviewing, editing and adding music and sound to a podcast production. Students will evaluate professional podcasts as well as critique each other, listening carefully for quality content.
Students will be guided in how to create content, edit copy & audio, and use simple equipment to achieve quality podcast productions. The class will explore a variety of audio podcast genres and platforms and see how the roots of podcasting are in radio broadcasting.
Mrs. Anderson will invite professionals in radio and podcasting to be guest speakers and give constructive feedback to the student podcasters.
By the end of class, students will have all the skills necessary to be their own podcast host and producer.
Please view prerequisites and required supplies below.
Students will be required to listen to a variety of podcasts; at least one different one per week. Some will be assigned by the teacher; others selected by the student.
Computer with ample storage
Quality microphone with headphones (older Apple earbuds with mic-on-cord or a Gaming Headset will work fine) or a USB mic and over-ear headphones.
Google docs is preferred for writing assignments, so the teacher can collaborate with edits.
Free Audacity audio editing or Garageband software program, or an upgrade paid subscription to Adobe Audition or similar software.
Jamie Anderson is passionate about helping homeschool students become better communicators. As a homeschool mom herself, Anderson combines several years of online homeschool teaching experience with a career in radio broadcasting and public relations to offer a unique experience to students at Excelsior Classes.
Receiving a journalism degree from Iowa State University helped Anderson see the importance of being curious (with newsmakers), precise (in her writing) and creative (for her audience.) These skills translate into many communication situations for homeschool students.
Anderson was an early fan of podcasting because of her education, experience and interest in radio production. In September 2019 Anderson was invited back into the world of broadcasting to co-host an award-winning morning drive show on a Michigan adult contemporary radio station, but that job was cut short by the pandemic. Using those newly-honed digital audio production skills, she helped a friend produce a podcast production, voicing the Graceful Dawn devotionals. Her voice is distinctive, so she uses it to glorify God whenever she’s given the chance.
Since 2013, Anderson has worked with homeschool students each school year to guide them in producing a monthly newspaper. Many of those students graduated, went on to college and used the skills they gained under her tutelage to work on a college newspaper, major in journalism or just use the team-building skills in their college and career endeavors.
Since September 2012, Anderson has taught speech communications online, after a decade of working with homeschool students in-person; this follows a public relations career that included training adults across the country how to confidently communicate their message in front of an audience or with a news reporter.
Anderson graduated from Iowa State University with a bachelor’s degree in Broadcast Journalism and Mass Communication. After working at radio stations in Iowa and Minnesota, she moved to Colorado for twelve years, working in public relations for the National Cattlemen’s Association.
B. F. –
Awesome class! My son enjoyed the opportunity to explore this type of writing.