How to Podcast for

free at Wordpress.com
Application of Behavior Modeling and Methodology
and Instructor Guide for Music Technology
Students at Woodbridge Senior High School
Shannon Gunn
EDIT 704
Dr. Karen Gardner
4/9/15

Table of Contents
How to Podcast For Free at Wordpress.com ..................................................................... 1
Application of Behavior Modeling and Methodology and Instructor Guide for Music
Technology Students at Woodbridge Senior High School .............................................. 1
Background and Introduction ...............................................................................................................1
Learning Theory Synopsis ....................................................................................................................2
Six Steps for Behavior Modeling ...........................................................................................................3

Instructor Guide ........................................................................................................... 4

Purpose ...............................................................................................................................................4
Target Audience ..................................................................................................................................4
Objectives ............................................................................................................................................4
Course Overview .................................................................................................................................4
Instructor Materials During the Presentation.........................................................................................4
Student Materials .................................................................................................................................5
Total Instructional Time:......................................................................................................................5
Instructor Preparations Before Instructional Time Period ......................................................................5
Sequence of Instruction ........................................................................................................................6
Course Summary .................................................................................................................................7

Assessment................................................................................................................... 7
Student Evaluation...............................................................................................................................7
Course Evaluation ...............................................................................................................................7

Student Guide .............................................................................................................. 8

Bibliography ............................................................................................................... 20

How to Podcast For Free at Wordpress.com

ii

Shannon Gunn
EDIT 704
Dr. Karen Gardner
Spring 2015

How to Podcast For Free at Wordpress.com

Application of Behavior Modeling and Methodology and Instructor Guide for Music
Technology Students at Woodbridge Senior High School
Background and Introduction
According to the NY Times, over 40 million people will tune in to
a podcast this year. Podcasting is increasingly becoming a source of
income for anyone wishing to create a platform (Carr, 2014). The
advent of the extremely popular Serial podcast along with the
increase of podcast apps such as Stitcher in new cars has led to a
revival in the podcast media form (Carr, 2014). Anyone can record
and syndicate a podcast for free, but it is often difficult to ascertain
how.

Woodbridge Senior High Students

The process of uploading the mp3 file to the internet and syndicating to the Podcast app is not always
simple or easy to follow. Because the MP3 is a large file, podcasters should be hosting their audio on
a free platform; otherwise, the number of downloads may require a large amount of bandwidth,
which can become expensive rather quickly. Wordpress.com offers a free alternative to the typical
paid podcasting services such soundcloud.com or libsyn.com.
Music Technology students at Woodbridge Senior High School are required to learn how to record
vocals and create their own short-form radio show as part of the hands-on application of recording
technology. Currently, students have recorded two episodes, focusing on getting good quality audio
with the school computers and microphones. This instructor guide is set up to teach students how to
syndicate their radio show as a podcast for free to iTunes and Stitcher radio using Wordpress.com.
This course is designed to take part in a larger sequence of modules, as described below:

How to Podcast For Free at Wordpress.com

Podcasting Modules at Woodbridge Senior High School

Module 1: Recording
Module 2: How podcasting works, syndication, RSS feeds, iTunes, Stitcher radio
Module 3: What is Wordpress?
Module 4: Create a Wordpress account, design and update blog. Create iTunes and
Archive.org accounts.
Module 5: Preparing the audio for syndication, to include thumbnail, ID3 tags, and
description of radio show. Upload audio to archive.org.
*Module 6: How to Podcast with Wordpress.com for free*
This course will describe the step-by-step process of using a blog on Wordpress.com to syndicate a
podcast to iTunes and Stitcher radio. The students will have already created two podcast episodes,
showed mastery of understanding RSS feeds, created their Wordpress account, updated their blog
with design and posts, created an iTunes account and http://archive.org account, uploaded their
podcast to http://archive.org, and prepared their audio recording for syndication before they
complete Module 6 of the course. Recent updates in Wordpress.com have allowed users to create a
podcast post that is specifically designed to syndicate as directed. Additionally, students are
encouraged to use Wordpress because that platform does not require a credit card and is a great
gateway into creating your own self-hosted website.
Learning Theory Synopsis
The process of creating a podcast post and syndicating to the iTunes podcast app is best served by a
behaviorist teaching approach because it is very step-by-step in nature. Students will need to follow
directions and screen shots and use very little upper-level cognition.
According to Ertmer & Newby (1993), specific behaviorist approaches might include:
1. An emphasis on producing observable and measurable outcomes in students, which is
evidenced by the appearance of the podcast in the podcast app.
2. Use of cues, shaping and practice to ensure a strong stimulus-response association, which is
evidenced by the step-by-step process of syndicating a podcast to iTunes.
3. Use of reinforcement to impact performance, which is evidenced by the ability to see the
podcast both on the internet and through the Podcast app on the iPhone.

How to Podcast For Free at Wordpress.com

Six Steps for Behavior Modeling

The model of instruction will be based off the six steps for behavior modeling methodology (Ertmer
& Newby, 1993). These steps include:
Behavior
Modeling
Methodology
Components
Prescribed
Critical
Steps/Behaviors

Model Description

Application and
Appropriateness of Strategy

The course designer will break

down the material into steps
and behavior outcomes.

Credible Model

The students are shown a

credible model of how to
accomplish the task.

Skill Practice
Exercises

Students have the opportunity

to practice the skills necessary
for achievement of
instructional objectives.
Students gain the opportunity
to receive feedback on their
progress.

The process of creating a

podcast post and syndicating
such post to the Podcast app
will be described in small and
easily obtained steps. (p. 6)
Students will view a current
podcast that is hosted on
Wordpress.com, see how it is
available via iTunes, and then
obtain a step-by-step guide
with screenshots. (p. 6)
Students will create their own
podcast post and syndicate to
iTunes. (p. 8 20)

Specific
Feedback and
Social
Reinforcement

Transfer
Strategies
On-the-job
Reinforcement

Increasing difficulty or
complexity of objectives will
ensure the successful transfer
of concepts to other projects
The facilitator will also be
trained on how to coach and
reinforce students behavior

How to Podcast For Free at Wordpress.com

The instructor will

demonstrate each step, and
then watch over students as
they complete the
instructions. (p. 6 20) The
instructor will answer any
questions via email or in
person as needed. Students
will view each others podcast
post and leave comments for
feedback and encouragement.
(p. 7)
Students will be able to
syndicate additional podcasts
or show others how to do it.
(p. 6 - 22)
The facilitator will work with
students one-on-one to
complete the tasks assigned.
(p.6 8)
3

Instructor Guide
Purpose
The purpose of this instructor guide is to give the step-by-step directions on how to teach students to
create a podcast post and syndicate to the iTunes Podcast app.
Target Audience
This guide is specifically designed for the music technology students at Woodbridge Senior High
School.
Objectives
After completing the How to Podcast for Free with Wordpress.com course, students should be able
to:
1. Create a podcast post
2. Syndicate the podcast to the Podcast app available on any iPhone
3. View the podcast on iTunes or in the Podcast app 48 hours after syndication
Course Overview
This instructor guide is for Module 6 of the 6 part series on How to Podcast for Free. Before
completing this activity, students must already know how to record their audio, understand RSS
feeds, create a Wordpress.com account, prepare their audio for syndication, and have an email
address.
Module 1: Recording
Module 2: How podcasting works, syndication, RSS feeds, iTunes, Stitcher radio
Module 3: What is Wordpress?
Module 4: Create a Wordpress account, design and update blog, create iTunes and
Archive.org accounts, upload audio to http://archive.org
Module 5: Preparing the audio for syndication, to include thumbnail, ID3 tags, and
description of radio show
*Module 6: How to Podcast with Wordpress.com for free*
Instructor Materials During the Presentation
Internet access during the training session (a computer lab will need to be booked for a specific
block of time during the school day)
A valid podcast from Wordpress.com that is available through the iTunes and Stitcher radio
apps that can be used as a demonstration
How to Podcast For Free at Wordpress.com

An iTunes account
An archive.org account
Student Guide
Instructor Guide
Ability to project screen during training session
iPhone or smart phone with Podcast app

Student Materials
1. A wordpress.com account and blog posting skills
2. A quality recorded podcast episode created as MP3 with proper ID3 tags that has been
uploaded to their own account on http://archive.org
3. A brief description of their radio show in a Word document on their flash drive
4. The title of the radio show and subtitle in a Word document on their flash drive
5. A 1400 x 1400 pixel picture describing their podcast on their flash drive
6. An email to be used with iTunes, archive.org, and wordpress.com
7. Internet access during the training session
8. Computers with iTunes application
9. Student guide
10. Ability to copy and paste using Ctrl-C and Ctrl-V as shortcuts
Total Instructional Time:
5:00 Overview of lesson, including learning targets and example end product
3:00 Logging into computers and http://wordpress.com
45:00 Demonstration of assigned tasks while students follow along with Student Guide
5:00 Wrap up and summary of lesson, log off accounts, log off computers
Instructor Preparations Before Instructional Time Period
1. Display clear learning targets and objectives on the wall so all students can see them
2. Copy the Student Guide one per student
3. Teacher logged into the computer and having the following website tabs up and projected
on the screen:
a. http://wordpress.com
b. http://elearningpod.wordpress.com/
c. iTunes computer app cued up to the E-Learning Podcast
d. Teacher iPhone ready with Podcast app cued up to E-Learning Podcast
e. Optional: Reflection app loaded up so that iPhone can be projected onto the
projector

How to Podcast For Free at Wordpress.com

Sequence of Instruction
1. State the learning objectives that are posted on the board.
a. After completing the How to Podcast for Free with Wordpress.com course, students
should be able to:
i. Create a podcast post
ii. Syndicate the podcast to the Podcast app available on any iPhone
iii. View the podcast on iTunes or in the Podcast app 48 hours after syndication
2. Apply constructivist approach to getting students interested in learning how to post and
syndicate their previously recorded podcast. Ask questions, elicit feedback, survey raised
hands, and generate discussion as to why one would want to syndicate a podcast. Ask
questions such as:
a. How many of you would be interested in getting your radio show on the same
platform as NPR or This American Life?
b. How many of you have listened to a podcast on a Podcast App on your smart phones
before? What are your favorite podcasts?
c. Did you know that you can put your own radio show on the Podcast app for free as
well, just like NPR and This American Life? All that is required is an email address
and your Wordpress account. This is called syndication and its free with the internet.
d. Today you will learn how to syndicate your content.
3. Show a credible example
a. Show http://elearningpod.wordpress.com and show latest episode. Play the first one
or two minutes only. Example episode (11 minutes):
https://elearningpod.wordpress.com/2015/04/04/ep1-5-things-you-didnt-know-youcould-do-with-quizlet/
b. Demonstrate how this podcast shows up in the iTunes app on the computer
c. Demonstrate how this podcast shows up on the Podcast app on the iPhone
4. Pass out the Student Guide and walk around while students follow the directions.
Demonstrate each step as laid out in the Student Guide.
Step 1: login to Wordpress.com, get into the Admin panel of Wordpress.com (page 7)
Step 2: Create a podcast category (page 8)
Step 3: Upload Artwork (page 9)
Step 4: Set up Podcast Settings, add artwork (page 9 12)
Step 5: Create a Post (page 13)
Step 6: Grab the link to the audio file on http://archive.org (page 14 - 15)
Step 7: Paste the link into the audio post on Wordpress, publish post (page 16)
Step 8: Syndicate to iTunes (page 17 19)
5. Answer questions as needed.
6. Encourage students to repeat the process with their second podcast recording.
How to Podcast For Free at Wordpress.com

7. Facilitate the course summary, course evaluation informal survey, and inform students of
the student evaluation process.
a. Course summary: read below
b. Course evaluation: ask the following questions and survey responses. Take notes and
keep these responses in mind for the next iteration of the course.
i. Was the student guide easy to follow?
ii. What was the hardest part of the process?
iii. Could the guide have been broken down any better?
iv. Were the pictures accurate?
c. Student Evaluation: let the students know they will be evaluated pass/fail on this
module, as evidenced by the podcast appearing on the Podcast app on any smart
phone.
8. Encourage students to follow each others Wordpress.com blogs, add comments to each
others podcasts, and listen to each others podcasts on the Podcast app.
Course Summary
Congratulate students for creating their first podcast and syndicating it to iTunes. Tell them to check
back on the iTunes application in a couple of days to ensure their podcast was approved.
Ideally, students repeat the process with their additional podcast. The more podcasts that are
available when iTunes indexes the site, the more authority it will give the podcast in its search
rankings.

Assessment
Student Evaluation
Students will be evaluated on a pass/fail basis two days after the course is implemented. Success is
marked by whether they were able to get their podcast syndicated to the iTunes app. If it wasnt, have
them contact customer support from iTunes to make sure they did everything correctly. Remember
its very important to get rid of the s in https:// when inserting the link to the audio from
http://archive.org. This can delay the approval of the podcast.
Course Evaluation
The course evaluation will be given as an informal survey at the end of class. Wrap up the class by
answering any questions and asking for any feedback on the student guide. Was it easy to follow?
What was the hardest part of the process? Could the guide have been broken down any better? Were
the pictures accurate? Be sure to include this information on the next iteration of the course.

How to Podcast For Free at Wordpress.com

Student Guide
How to Podcast For Free at Wordpress.com
1. The first step is to login to your Wordpress.com site and get it ready for podcasting. To do
this:
a. Login to http://wordpress.com
b. Click on MySites in the top left corner

c. Double check you are in the right site if you have multiple wordpress sites. Click
Switch Site if not.

d. Click WPAdmin at the top left

2. Next you will need to create your podcast category. To do this, hover over Posts and then
select Categories

a. Type Podcast and click Add New Category

How to Podcast For Free at Wordpress.com

3. Next you need to upload your artwork to the site so that it can be seen when people see the
podcast on the Podcast app or in iTunes. To do this:
a. Hover over Media and click Add New.

b. Now you need to upload your artwork. Click Select Files, and then select your artwork
file from your flash drive location.

4. Now you need to set up the Podcast settings in Wordpress. To do this, scroll down and hover
over Settings and then select Media.

How to Podcast For Free at Wordpress.com

a. Scroll down to where it says Podcasting. Select the category to be set as Podcast. Then
fill in the blanks with the proper information.
i. Category Podcast
ii. Podcast Title is the Title you came up with, the name of your radio show
iii. Podcast Subtitle is a short byline that will describe your show, 6 words or less
iv. Podcast Talent Name is the name(s) of the people on the show
v. Podcast Summary is a brief description of your podcast
vi. Podcast Copyright is the name of the copyright holder and the year (put your
name(s) in there and the year)
vii. Mark As Explicit = No (no swear words)

b. The next step is to link your podcast with your podcast image. To do that, youll need
to get the URL of the image. Scroll all the way back up to the top, hover over Media,
and select Library.

How to Podcast For Free at Wordpress.com

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i. Click once on your image that you want to be the thumbnail for your podcast
on the app or in iTunes.

ii. Triple Click in the Field that says URL.

Copy this
entire URL

iii. Press Ctrl-C to copy (or Command-C on the Mac)

How to Podcast For Free at Wordpress.com

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c. Now paste that image URL into the image location on the podcast settings. Remove
the s in https
i. Close out of the image (Click little x in top right corner)
ii. Scroll down to hover over Settings and then Click on Media (see step 4)
iii. Paste your entire URL into the box for the image by putting your cursor there
and pressing Ctrl-V or Command-V on a Mac
iv. Remove the s in https:

Paste
Here

d.
e.
f.
g.

Next insert two or three keywords that could help someone find your podcast.
Select up to three podcast category. This will be how you are categorized on iTunes.
Click Save Changes at the bottom.
Congrats! Your Wordpress.com site is now configured for podcasts!

How to Podcast For Free at Wordpress.com

12

5. Next step is to create a post and insert your podcast into the post. To do this:
a. Scroll all the way up and hover over Posts and select Add New.

b. Enter the title of the Episode, such as Episode 1: xyz Podcast

c. Enter a brief description of your podcast
d. Insert the link to the audio. To do this, click Add Media button at the top.

How to Podcast For Free at Wordpress.com

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6. You need to grab the link to the audio file from http://archive.org.
Open a new tab on your browser and go to http://archive.org and login.

a. Then select Account at the top.

b. Then select Uploads on the right.

c. Click on your audio upload for this podcast.

How to Podcast For Free at Wordpress.com

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d. Then, click on the link for VBR MP3.

e. Once you have selected that mp3 link, click on the URL at the top and copy it by
pressing Ctrl-C or Command-C on a mac. Make sure you have the entire URL
selected.
Copy URL
of mp3 on
archive.org

How to Podcast For Free at Wordpress.com

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7. Now you will paste that link into the audio post on Wordpress. Switch back to the
Wordpress tab on your browser and paste the link. To do this, press Ctrl-V in the URL box
and select Insert Into Post at the bottom.
a. Delete the S after https://
Paste URL
here. Dont
forget to
delete the S
after http://

b. Scroll down and select the Podcast Category for this post.

c. Scroll back up and select Publish. Congrats! Youve published your first podcast!

How to Podcast For Free at Wordpress.com

16

8. Now its time to get your podcast syndicated to the iTunes Podcast app.
a. From your Wordpress dashboard, go into Settings>Media again. (Step 4)
b. Scroll down to the Podcasting section and select the link that is next to the Podcast
Feed Category. Copy that link by pressing Ctrl-C or Command-C on a Mac.

Another way to copy that link is the right click on it after youve selected it.

c. Next you will open the iTunes application on your computer. Click on iTunes Store at
the top right for iTunes version 11.

How to Podcast For Free at Wordpress.com

17

d. Next click on the three dots at the top to get a drop down menu and then click on
podcasts.

e. Scroll down and on the right click Submit a Podcast

f. Click in the Podcast Feed URL box and paste your feed URL by pressing Ctrl-V or
Command-V on a Mac.

How to Podcast For Free at Wordpress.com

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g. Press continue.
h. Input your iTunes account email and password and click Continue.

i. Check that all the information is correct and then select Submit.
j. You will get a screen that looks like this.
Congrats! Youve published your first podcast and syndicated to the iTunes Podcast
app!

###
End Student Guide

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Bibliography
Carr, D. (2014, November 23). Serial, Podcastings First Breakout Hit, Sets Stage for More.
The New York Times. Retrieved April 5, 2015, from
http://www.nytimes.com/2014/11/24/business/media/serial-podcastings-first-breakout-hitsets-stage-for-more.html?_r=1
Ertmer, P., Newby, T. (1993). Behaviorism, Cognitivism, Constructivism: Comparing critical
features from an instructional design perspective. Performance Improvement Quarterly, 6(4), 5071.
iTunes. (2015, January 1). Retrieved April 5, 2015, from http://www.apple.com/itunes/
WordPress.com: Create a free website or blog. (2015, January 1). Retrieved April 5, 2015,
from http://wordpress.com/

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