Ambassador in the Classroom

    Astronomical Society of the Pacific (ASP): Baltimore, MD

    Spreading the Word: Online Tools and Techniques for Communicating Current Events - Sunday September 17, 2006
    Presenters:

    Abstract

    So much information, so little time! How do you keep your audience up to date about your education and public outreach news and events? There are many methods for communicating current information efficiently and effectively through the Internet, but which ones are best for your EPO projects? This presentation will introduce and explore a variety of online tools and techniques for keeping audiences informed, and assist participants in choosing the methods that best fit their needs and resources. We will provide many examples of successful and popular online communication through blogging, e-newsletters, news feeds, podcasting, and other methods. The presentation will include demonstrations of the software and technology required for each method. We will make a detailed comparison of these tools and techniques, considering factors like audience, resources, cost, dissemination, portability, and accessibility. Using this information, participants will discuss the strengths and weaknesses of each method, and consider which methods would be most appropriate for different EPO projects and audiences. Through the demonstrations and discussions, participants will become familiar with their online communication options and gain the information necessary to implement new channels of communication for their projects. We will provide handouts about each of the discussed methods, and the presentation materials will be available online for further reference.

    Session Outcomes

    This presentation introduces participants to a variety of online tools and techniques for keeping audiences informed about current news and events. Participants will understand the strengths and weaknesses of these methods, and will be equipped with the information to choose which will best serve their programs, audiences, or materials.

    eNewletters

    Blogging

    A weblog or online journal offers informal and approachable communication. Link to newsworthy materials or share a new perspective on a topic.

    • Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry on blogging.
    • Blogging 101 - An excellent introduction to the world of blogging, with many examples and "required reading" links.
    • Introduction to Blogging - From the creators of WordPress, this tutorial defines and explains the basics of creating a blog. Some information specifically addresses the use of WordPress software, but much of the page is a good general introduction.
    • WordPress - This open source, PHP-based blogging software is easily installed and configured on your site. WordPress is free to use and can fit into the template of your website.
    • Blogger - Quickly set up and publish your own blog with Blogger, on their server or your own. This Google-owned service is free to use, but each blog has a link to Blogger.
    • Legal Guide for Bloggers - From the Electronic Frontier Foundation, a set of frequently asked questions about the legal rights and responsibilities of blogging.

    Podcasting

    Engage your audience with audio and video files for playback anywhere, anytime. Create a podcast or vodcast to provide an experience beyond words alone.

    • Wikipedia - Wikipedia entry on Podcasting.
    • O'Reilly Hacks: Make Your First Podcast - A quick introduction to creating a podcast with free software. Covers basic recording and publishing information.
    • Podcasting 101 - This website offers information about putting together a podcast -- tools, software, history, etc.
    • Audacity - Free, open source software for recording and editing sounds. It is available for Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, GNU/Linux, and other operating systems.
    • Podcasting Legal Guide - A guide to copyrights and other legal issues that can arise in the creation and syndication of podcasts. For any commercial content (especially music), you must secure all necessary rights and permissions.
    • 21st Century Explorer Podcast Competition - NASA invites students to create and submit podcasts about the future benefits of space exploration. Deadline is October 10, 2006.

    Really Simple Syndication (RSS)

    A powerful and easy way to publicize all of your online methods of communication. Tell your audience that you just updated your blog, podcast, or news site.