Audioboo

I love podcasting in the classroom. I just think there are so many uses for it. But sometimes it can be difficult to find a program that allows you to record and publish for free or minimal costs. I'm always on the lookout for a good, free website that might fit my needs more closely.

I recently stumbled upon Audioboo, and I thought I would share it with you. Like most other recording and/or hosting sites I've found for podcasting in the classroom so far, there are pros and cons to the system, but I'll let you decide for yourself whether or not Audioboo is for you.

Before I write anything further on Audioboo, you should know that Audioboo classifies users' uploaded/recorded audio files as "boos." Knowing that information will make deciphering some of my points below much easier! :)

Pros

1. Anyone can sign up for Audioboo for free. 
2. You can record/upload "boos" straight from your smartphone, via the free apps. I love that you can record/upload on the go like that! Audioboo is also in the process of adding more apps for other smartphones and products, because its mission is to become the "go to" audio file website.
3. Other users can choose to "follow" you, which means they will see all of your updates automatically. 
4. You can link to various social networking sites (Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, etc). 
5. Your "boos" can be listened to via iTunes, which I find really neat!
6. You can add photos, tags (to categorize your "boos") and locations to your uploads.
7. If you've upgraded to a Plus account, you have the option of recording up to 30 minutes. If you've upgraded to a Pro account, you can record for as long as you'd like. 

Cons

1. Recorded files can only be 3 minutes long, unless you want to upgrade your account.
2. The company is based in London, so the upgrade cost is not in USD. The upgrade cost for a Plus account is £60, and you have to contact the company directly to inquire about a Pro account's costs. According to this London Currency Converter website, that equals about $83.25 in USD, which is much more than I'm willing to pay yearly for 30 minutes of recordings...
3. No real privacy options. I'd be wary of letting my students post much on the "boos" because I'd be scared that there would be too much identifying information included. Private "boos" are available for the Pro account, but

In any case, as long as you're willing to limit your recordings to <3 minutes each,  I think Audioboo would be great for the classroom! You can check out my ideas for podcasting in the classroom by clicking here, and you can check out my other suggestions for recording/uploading audio files here by clicking here.
How Do I Start?

1. Go to http://audioboo.fm and click "sign in/sign up" in the top right corner. 
2. Verify your account via an e-mail that Audioboo sends to the e-mail address with which you used to sign up. 
3. Make sure your pop-ups are disabled.
4. Once you're logged in, click the "start recording/upload file" in the green button on the upper right side of the screen. 
5. A pop-up window will appear and ask if you want to record or upload. I clicked record, but I suppose you could click upload and add a file that you've created with another program (such as Apple's GarageBand). 
6. Start talking and recording (with the help of your computer's microphone). Save and upload it to your profile. 

It's really that easy. 

I'm attracted to Audioboo because of the free 3 minutes deal, but I LOVE the fact that it has its own free iPhone app. I use my iPhone for everything, and I'm so much more likely to use a product when there's an app for it, just because it presents such flexibility, mobility, and convenience. I'm anxious to try Audioboo in my classroom!