For faculty who are not using VNS ITV rooms, but who are recording in-class audio in other U of M classrooms, VNS/OIT will provides server
space for podcast-ready MP3 files. Currently, this service is for instructional (course-related) audio content only (this may change in the future).
To initiate this service, contact Mike Grady (grady036@umn.edu), (612) 625-7743. Once your request has been processed, you will be given an Internet url enabling you to set up your podcast parameters, and begin uploading files.
Some points about this service:
- During Spring term 2007, this podcast server will not have power or data back-up. Save all audio files locally to be safe.
- Site creation and file upload is effected via X500 authentication.
- Only one X500 username can be used to initiate, upload files and administer this site. Faculty: keep this in mind if you are having a teaching assistant perform this work for you.
Note: Your upload process to the podcast site IS authenticated, though.
- Files uploaded cannot exceed 64 MB per file.
- Because of the particular automated process we use, this service does not provide multiple podcast addresses/sites (that may change in the future). For now, there will be a single url address issued for your account. Accordingly, this service is best used for a single class (unless you don't mind audio from multiple classes appearing at the same podcast url).
- Your audio recording device may produce MP3 audio files by default. If it does not, and you need facilities to transcode your audio to the MP3 format, contact the Digital Media Center.
- This service assumes a podcast-ready MP3 file is being uploaded. We will not be editing, transcoding, or otherwise "fixing" transferred files. We also will not be supporting files other than audio MP3's (this may change in the future).
- The audio stream of your material, that will be served by us, is technically insecure. While this may be moot considering the point above, you should be aware that it is technically possible for someone through "packet sniffing" measures to find the stream. The probability of this happening is low; but the right tools and network expertise can effect it. The network stream we originate is not encrypted.
- Podcasting was never intended to be an "authenticated" process. It began as "Internet Radio". This means many podcast aggregators don't have an authentication mechanism (i.e., X500 or University logins and passwords). There is a certain amount of "security through obscurity"
since we're not publishing the addresses for the public. But, bottom line, if someone finds the url (by whatever means), they can subscribe to the podcast and hear your lectures.
- Your request to podcast presumes for us that any use of copyright audio materials by you falls under classroom "fair use" guidelines. For a campus checklist, go to Campus Checklist.
