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Does the Idea Lab have spaces/equipment for recording podcasts?
Does the Idea Lab have spaces/equipment for recording podcasts?
Yes, the Idea Lab has audio studios specifically designed for recording podcasts at North, Lakeshore, and Downtown campuses. In addition, the Lakeshore and Downtown Idea Labs have equipment available to borrow, including digital audio recorders and hand-held microphones. The Idea Lab is free and open to all Humber and Guelph Humber students, regardless of faculty or program area.
Take a tour of our studio spaces:
Recording in the podcast studio at the Lakeshore Idea Lab.
Do students have to use the Idea Lab studios for podcasting?
Do students have to use the Idea Lab studios for podcasting?
No, studio space is limited, so it’s not possible to guarantee access to every student/group working on a podcast assignment. We recommend that you don’t limit students to using Idea Lab studios as there are other options available:
Loanable equipment from the Idea Labs at Lakeshore and Downtown
Public libraries in the GTA offering similar spaces and equipment as the Idea Lab
Free software options for online podcast recording (perfect for students who can’t find shared availability during Idea Lab hours)
Will the students’ podcasts be available to the public?
Will the students’ podcasts be available to the public?
No. We recommend that students submit the audio recording via Blackboard or host it on an institutional tool like Microsoft Stream. This limits access to specific people or groups within Humber.
Does the Idea Lab provide podcast workshops?
Does the Idea Lab provide podcast workshops?
Yes, the Idea Lab can visit your class for a 90-minute workshop on creating podcasts. The session covers selecting equipment, choosing a location to record, recording using online tools, as well as tips for reading scripted material and conducting interviews and discussions. Students will be shown how to book a studio and reserve audio recording equipment to borrow. You can also arrange a tour of the Idea Lab’s audio studios at North, Lakeshore, or Downtown campuses.
Recording in the podcast studio at the North Idea Lab.
How to I request a workshop?
How to I request a workshop?
Fill out this form with the relevant details, and one of our Digital Fluency Librarians will respond.
When should I schedule the workshop?
When should I schedule the workshop?
We recommend a:
90-minute in-class session approximately 2-3 weeks prior to the submission date.
10-15 minute recap of the privacy and sharing options approximately one week prior to the submission date.
What’s included in your online resources?
What’s included in your online resources?
The Idea Lab maintain an online podcasting and audio recording resource featuring:
Overview of podcasting
Overview of equipment and locations (with sound clips)
Tips for narration and interview techniques
Instructions for creating a transcript
Links to free recording tools and audio resources
What supports do you offer students?
What supports do you offer students?
The Idea Lab offers student support via:
Email at idealab@humber.ca (monitored M-F, 8-5pm by multiple Idea Lab team members)
One-on-one or group assignment support appointments (online by default, but in-person is available on request).
PLEASE NOTE: The Idea Lab does not accommodate drop-in assignment support at our campus locations. Assignment support appointments must be booked via the appointment calendar.
Should I make it a group assignment?
Should I make it a group assignment?
Yes, we actively encourage the group assignment format for podcasts as it maximizes access to our studio spaces and equipment.
The equipment in our studios is best suited to groups with a maximum of four people. Larger working groups may have to share microphones or record their content separately. Our studios also have maximum occupancy rules.
How long should the podcasts be?
How long should the podcasts be?
Although podcasts have no fixed length or format, we recommend the following guidelines as a starting point. For scripted podcasts, keep in mind that one page of double-spaced text is approximately one minute of audio. You also need to calculate how long it will take for you to listen to all the assignment submissions:
Individual, scripted podcast assignments: ~5-7 mins
Group, scripted podcast assignments: ~10-15 mins
Unscripted, group discussion podcasts: ~20-30 mins
Interview podcasts with external guests: ~10-15 mins
Do you support video podcasts?
Do you support video podcasts?
Unless there are specific course or program learning outcomes associated with filming or video editing skills, we do not recommend requiring podcast submissions in a video format. There is a far greater amount of preparation and post-production involved in creating video podcasts. Also, the Idea Lab audio studios are not designed for the creation of video podcasts. It is possible to film in the spaces, but please note the following:
The Idea Lab can only provide one camera and tripod per audio studio.
There is limited space for additional light and tripods in the studios.
Students may reserve additional cameras and from the circulating equipment inventory.
Students are responsible for setting up additional video equipment.
Students are responsible for synchronizing and editing the audio and video footage.
Do you have Blackboard content I can use?
Do you have Blackboard content I can use?
Yes, the Idea Lab can provide you with relevant links and contact details for you to add to Blackboard. Please fill out the relevant details on this form and a Digital Fluency Librarian will contact you.
Do you have a rubric for podcast assignments?
Do you have a rubric for podcast assignments?
Yes, we have examples of generic podcast rubrics, which you are free to use or modify.
Anything else I should know?
Anything else I should know?
Creating your own short podcast that briefly outlines the assignment will help you familiarize yourself with the tools, provide students with an exemplar, and demonstrate that you are not asking the students to do something that you cannot do yourself.
If you would like to have someone from the Idea Lab provide a workshop for you and any colleagues teaching other sections of the course, we are happy to help. We can run through the software and approaches to leading a student workshop on creating podcasts.
If you have questions, you can reach out to us at idealab@humber.ca and the Digital Fluency Librarian at your campus will get back to you.
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