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.
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"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:
This is a fully featured application that proides great
support for Cloud Kiosk usage.
Two versions:
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:
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.
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.
Not Free-
free!
Podcatcher options for Windows SmartPhones have not yet been identified
and assessed.
Open-ESL.org welcomes any information and testing in this regard.
Podcatcher options for Blackberry have not yet been identified
and assessed.
Open-ESL.org welcomes any information and testing in this regard.
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
The ESL Cloud Kiosk and Podcast Generator are Open Source applications are made available under the GNU "General Public License" (GNU GPL)
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.