Welcome to the second article in the Teacher's Secrets Series. The purpose of this series is to demystify what teachers are looking for in an assignment when various technologies are involved. While some teachers are very clear on what they are looking for in that kind of project, others are not, so our Teacher's Secrets Series checklists can help you figure it out. 

Here is a checklist that can help you produce a quality podcast the next time one is assigned. All of the items on the list may not be part of your assignment, but look at them anyway. You might be able to put them to use to improve your project.

1. Research Sources (if you need to turn these in) ­­- Make sure they clearly show that you accurately researched and/or acquired:

• a variety of information sources
• recorded and interpreted significant facts
• meaningful and appropriate interviews, graphics, music, or sounds
• evaluated and included alternative points of view

2. Introduction - Everyone is going to be evaluating your podcast right from the first note of music, background sound effect, or word out of the narrator's mouth-so be ready to make an impression right from the start. Be sure to:

• draw the audience in by starting with a catchy first line or posing a clever question or a question that your audience can relate to
• identify who is speaking, when the podcast was produced and where the speaker is located
• establish the purpose of your podcast

3. Content - The content needs to:

• be creative and original, but succinct and accurate
• use plenty of supporting information
• give the audience a clear sense of the main idea
• stay focused
• be presented using appropriate vocabulary (you don't have to use big words, but avoid slang and acronyms, and explain any terms that might be unfamiliar to your audience)
• identify any "experts" you quote or interview and explain why they are relevant to your topic
• have a clear conclusion that summarizes the main points you brought up

4. Delivery - How you deliver the information in this format is certainly almost as important as what you deliver so:

• rehearse the WHOLE podcast just the way you are going to deliver it
• use a conversational style - this is not just a report you are reading out loud instead of delivering it in class
• enunciate, use an expressive voice, and try to establish some kind of rhythm to keep the audience listening
• make sure your grammar is correct!

5. Interview - Using an interview format? You'll need to:

• ask open-ended questions
• be ready with follow up questions
• try to keep the information you get from the interviewee relevant

6. Graphics, Music and Sounds - Remember these elements need to:

• assist in presenting the overall theme and enhance what is being said in the podcast
• be copyright free or copyright cleared with appropriate documentation

7. Technical Production - If this is your first podcast, you might want to make a shorter one just to practice the technical side of creating one first. In your final presentation check that your:

• transitions are smooth, without "noisy" dead space
• volume stays consist whether it is music, voices or sound effects being used
• podcast is the right length not only according to the assignment, but most importantly, to keep your audience interested and engaged

8. Know the Secrets - Want to find out more about how to create a podcast in an app like GarageBand or Keynote or other creation tool? Take time before you start to look at a tutorial on the Apple site or do a search for the tool you are using on the Internet for more information. You might find some cool effects you can use - but be careful not to get carried away. Also check out 50 Ways to Make a Podcast.