PodOmatic


 * [|PodOmatic] ** is a site where uses can find and share free educational podcasts. It enables anyone to find, create, distribute, promote and listen to both audio and video podcasts.

** Strengths **

 * Free educational podcasts
 * Easily upload audio files Has both audio and video podcasts
 * Easy to use tools for podcast publication
 * Bookmark favorites
 * Allows search of episodes and podcasts
 * Can rank podcasts
 * Follow podcasts you're interested in. Easy "Follow" button lets you stay updated with a particular podcast
 * Organized into groups of interest: Arts, Business, Comedy, Education, Games/Hobbies, Government/Orgs, Health, Family/Kids, Music, News/Politics, Religion/Spirit, Science/Medicine, Society/Culture, Sports/Rec, TV/Film, and Technology
 * Also organized by City
 * Profile contains a recent activity feed where updates relating to friends of podcasts you’re a fan of appear
 * Reach large audiences with your podcast
 * Allows for posting of comments (online interaction)
 * Shows popular podcasts under each category
 * Allows you to add podcasts to your playlists
 * 500MB of storage/ 15GB of bandwidth per month
 * Can upgrade to Pro

**Opportunities**
 *  Weaknesses **
 * ===== Doesn’t offer editing utilities =====
 * ===== May find inappropriate podcast that is not suitable for children =====
 * =====Ranking based of viewers opinion (biases)=====
 * Usually need a microphone to record a podcast (Sometimes webcam mics are too far away or not clear enough)
 * =====Not really filtered for education. Anyone can post anything.=====
 * =====Limited amount of storage=====
 * Can share with others your podcast
 * Publishing of your own podcasts
 * Network with other people through podcasts

**Threats**
 * If students are using the free edition it sounds like there may be the potential for them to view other videos or listen to audios that could potentially be inappropriate.

**Ideas for the classroom**
 * Play music while the students are working quietly
 * Show a five sense podcast
 * Listen to a story aloud that the class is reading
 * Audio blog about science, writing, or reading
 * Oral lessons
 * ESL student can use podcasts to practice speaking and pronunciation
 * Practice of fluency and story telling with comment options for peer comments and feedback
 * View video podcasts from around the world as semi-virtual field trip type experiences
 * Authentic assessment tool
 * Use this database of podcasts for ideas for the classroom or research opportunities