Cloud Kiosk

Description

The "Cloud Kiosk" is a "virtual" distribution device.
It is the term being used in this system to explain the functionality of MP3 audio file distribution using "Podcasts". This facilitates comparison with the methods that involve a physical Kiosk device in the classroom.

  • Distributes audio files based on MP3 content uploaded by a teacher to an application on a Web Server.
  • Content is downloaded to a student SmartPhone using a Podcast application installed on that phone.


The Good

  • Content is accessible to student even if they miss a class.
  • Uses a reliable "playback" device already owned by student.
  • Most Podcast applications allow display of alot of useful information, including track names etc.
  • Most Podcast applications allow visual indicators of track progress, and have built-in tools to navigate within a track.
  • Takes purchase of student device hardware completely out of the list of organizational responsibilities
  • Does not require a physical Kiosk device in classroom.

The Bad

  • Dependant on high priced devices owned by students.
  • Does not work for students who do not have SmartPhones.
  • Although audio content can be distributed without student in class, any accompanying printed content cannot.
  • Podcast software may have a price, although normally it is minimal.
  • Can lead to significant support issues for teacher.
  • Support/Application for Podcasts has not yet been confirmed on "Windows" and "Blackberry" based SmartPhones.
  • In many classes this will NOT be a solution that can be used with all students.
  • You will find that some students prefer to not use their phone in this way. Sometimes this is due to battery usage issues. The impact of an exhaused battery on a phone is much greater than on a dedicated ESL device.


Operational Notes

  • ESL organization must make arrangements for an Internet Web Server.
  • An administrator must create directories and install a copy of the podcast application for each class on the server.
  • These requisites require funds and technical expertise at the organizational level.

Additional Notes

  • Consider the "Digital Divide" implications of this approach:
    • Some students may not own mobile devices that can run a "Podcatcher" applicatioin.
    • Some student who do have the devices may not have a technical comfort with podcatcher software.
    • An organization may not have the technical expertise to manage the server tasks.
    • Teachers may not have the technical skills to handle uploads and/or provide support to student for their devices.

"Podcatcher Applications"


Under Construction

(January 2016)
Pardon the mess!
Work in progress!

"Podcasts" are digital audio or video programs that are broadcast over the Internet in a way that they can be automatically captured by a mobile device such as a SmartPhone or Tablet computer.

On an Internet server a "feed" is created.
The ESL Cloud Kiosk system is designed so that each ESL class will have its own feed used by students.
Students put a "Podcatcher" application on their SmartPhone or Tablet and then:

  • Enter the "address" of the class feed in the Podcatcher Application.
  • Tell the Podcatcher to "subscribe" to the feed.
    (This automatically downloads new content when it is published.)
  • Set the Podcatcher how many episodes to keep on the device.
  • Set the Podcatcher to keep content even after it has been played.
    (This allows the student to play over and over again as needed.)
  • You can also set the frequency the Podcatcher checks for content.

Android

There are several good free or low-cost options for Android!


Poscast Addict ( Recommended)

This is a fully featured application that proides great support for Cloud Kiosk usage.
Two versions:

  • $2.99 - Paid version
  • Free version - Identical functionality as the paid version but shows advertisements at bottom of the screen.

Podcast Addict

Antenna Pod ( Recommended)

Antenna Pod is also available from both Google Play and the Amazon Android App Store.
Antenna Pod is Open Source! Antenna Pod is totally free and has no advertisments cluttering or confusing the screen.
It handles both audio and video podcasts.
Drawbacks:

  • Interface is not quite as intuitive as Podcast Addict.
  • Settings such as automatic downloads etc. apply to all podcast feeds and cannot be customized for a specific feed.

Antenna Pod

Beyond Pod (Works, but $$)

Behond Pod is available from both Google Play and the Amazon Android App Store.
The free version has crippled functionality and is not worthwhile.
The paid version works quite well but is priced significantly higher than other good Android podcatchers. The price tends to go up and down and is currently $6.99.

Behond Pod
Android

Several good podcatcher options have been identified for Apple mobile devices. The great news is that one is free!



Podcasts ( The Best for iPhones and iPads!)

FREE! This the default podcatcher application from Apple. They have addded support to handle URL-based Podcast sites. This application can handle Audio, Video, as well as PDF and JPG image files.

Apple Podcasts

iCatcher ( Works for Audio and Video)

Not Free-

iCatcher

Overcast ( Works for Audio)

free!

Overcast
Windows

Podcatcher options for Windows SmartPhones have not yet been identified and assessed.
Open-ESL.org welcomes any information and testing in this regard.

A Question
Blackberry

Podcatcher options for Blackberry have not yet been identified and assessed.
Open-ESL.org welcomes any information and testing in this regard.

Unknown

Podcast Generator (An Open Source software project)

Podcast Generator is a great general purpose podcast hosting application created and maintained by Alberto Betella.

The project is hosted at http://podcastgen.sourceforge.net

Podcast Generator is the solid base on which "Cloud Kiosk" has been built. This application could not exist without the excellent work by Batella. Podcast Generator is an application suitable for a very wide range of podcasting needs. Cloud Kiosk stripped away some features that were not appropriate for ESL class usage, and also eliminated some advanced features that create unnecessary complexity for non-technical users.

Please consider making a donation to the Podcast Generator project. Donation links are available on their project page..

- Read core documentation and get support (Please note! This link is for documentation/support of original Podcast Generator, NOT the "Cloud Kiosk")
- Project Credits

Under Construction

The ESL Cloud Kiosk and Podcast Generator are Open Source applications are made available under the GNU "General Public License" (GNU GPL)


Support Open Source!

Want to be part of a project to create freely usable ESL materials?
Keep reading!

The "ESL Cloud Kiosk" podcast software you are using as well as the original Podcast Generator software are volunteer-created Open Source Projects.
The same is true for Audacity (audio file editing software), GIMP (image manipulation software), and other great tools.
Although these projects accept financial donations to help them thrive and improve, the key to their success is one or more inspired, dedicated individuals.
These computer software projects are built by computer professionals who donate their time to create and share software programs.



But I am a teacher! What does that have to do with me?

In a similar way, you can become part of a project to create freely usable ESL instructional materials.


Our effort needs teachers, musicians, and people who can draw or cartoon. We need "readers" to record from scripts, and also people to help proof-read and test. You can help!
Visit Open-ESL.org for more information!