Mad Props Podcast Project---Summary
The goal of this project was to make informative podcasts related to the California propositions on the November 2016 ballot. The reason why we created podcasts about the propositions was so that voters could be well-educated before making any decisions on election day. Our English teacher, Alec Patton, assigned each project group with a different proposition, which included prop 57, 62, 63, 64, and 66. Once assigned a proposition, each group was to choose a podcast topic related to their proposition and get started.
The goal of this project was to make informative podcasts related to the California propositions on the November 2016 ballot. The reason why we created podcasts about the propositions was so that voters could be well-educated before making any decisions on election day. Our English teacher, Alec Patton, assigned each project group with a different proposition, which included prop 57, 62, 63, 64, and 66. Once assigned a proposition, each group was to choose a podcast topic related to their proposition and get started.
Phase 1: Choosing Topic and Researching---Summary
Our project group was assigned proposition 63, a proposed set of gun control laws. The first step in the project was to come up with a topic related to Prop 63 that we would make our podcast about. We did a bit of research, and chose to make our podcast about firearms trafficking to Mexico. From there, we studied our topic as much as possible.
Our project group was assigned proposition 63, a proposed set of gun control laws. The first step in the project was to come up with a topic related to Prop 63 that we would make our podcast about. We did a bit of research, and chose to make our podcast about firearms trafficking to Mexico. From there, we studied our topic as much as possible.
This is Moi. He is taking notes on an article about gun trafficking to Mexico
Phase 1: Choosing topic and researching---Reflection
This phase of the project was tedious for me because I found it difficult to find just the right information that I needed.
This phase of the project was tedious for me because I found it difficult to find just the right information that I needed.
Phase 2: Contacting & Interviewing---Summary
Once we had researched our topic, we listed some additional pieces of information that could enrich our podcast, and began contacting people who we thought could help us out. In total, we reached out to about six people. However, we only managed to set an interview with one of them--federal attorney Andrew Haden. Andrew gave us lots of solid information during the interview, so everything turned out okay.
Once we had researched our topic, we listed some additional pieces of information that could enrich our podcast, and began contacting people who we thought could help us out. In total, we reached out to about six people. However, we only managed to set an interview with one of them--federal attorney Andrew Haden. Andrew gave us lots of solid information during the interview, so everything turned out okay.
On the left is an image of myself phoning an interviewee. On the right is an email that I sent in trying to find an interviewee.
Phase 2: Contacting & Interviewing---Reflection
I was anxious about reaching out to potential interviewee's because almost all of our candidates were some kind of government official. We managed to set an interview with Andrew Haden. I admit that I was a little tense during the interview, and I think I should have asked him more articulate questions.
I was anxious about reaching out to potential interviewee's because almost all of our candidates were some kind of government official. We managed to set an interview with Andrew Haden. I admit that I was a little tense during the interview, and I think I should have asked him more articulate questions.
Step 3: Writing Script & Recording Audio---Summary
The first thing we did after the interview was log our recordings from the interview, so that we could visualize what we got from it. Next, we made our script, and recorded the audio that we still needed to narrate our podcast.
The first thing we did after the interview was log our recordings from the interview, so that we could visualize what we got from it. Next, we made our script, and recorded the audio that we still needed to narrate our podcast.
Here I am recording some narration audio for our podcast on Garageband
Phase 3: Writing Script and Recording Audio---Reflection
Before we conducted our interview, it was very hard to come up with a script because we did not know what our interviewee was going to give us. After the interview, it became much easier because we only needed to line up the audio we already had, and plan out what to record in-between those clips.
Before we conducted our interview, it was very hard to come up with a script because we did not know what our interviewee was going to give us. After the interview, it became much easier because we only needed to line up the audio we already had, and plan out what to record in-between those clips.
Phase 4: Editing and Publishing---Summary
After this, we moved all our recordings into an audio editing software called Audacity. We mixed and edited the clips so that they played in the right order, and sounded well together. We also spaced every few clips with a bit of soft music, so that our podcast would not sound like a single, continuous stream of information. When it was ready, we downloaded our podcast as an mp3.
After this, we moved all our recordings into an audio editing software called Audacity. We mixed and edited the clips so that they played in the right order, and sounded well together. We also spaced every few clips with a bit of soft music, so that our podcast would not sound like a single, continuous stream of information. When it was ready, we downloaded our podcast as an mp3.
This is a screenshot of the work we did in editing our podcast on Audacity
Phase 4: Editing and Publishing---Reflection
It was satisfying to see our podcast finally take shape as we edited it. It was even more gratifying on exhibition night, when we showed our teachers and parent our completed podcasts.
It was satisfying to see our podcast finally take shape as we edited it. It was even more gratifying on exhibition night, when we showed our teachers and parent our completed podcasts.
Mad Props Podcast Project---Reflection
Before listening to our podcast, my mom was against Prop 63 because she thought that is brought on too many unnecessary gun laws. After listening, she told me that her opinions had changed because of what she learned from our podcast. This goes to show that our podcast was informative. I am glad that I was given the opportunity to participate in this school project because I practiced networking with other people in a way I had perviously never done before. I believe that communication is one of life's most valuable skills.
Before listening to our podcast, my mom was against Prop 63 because she thought that is brought on too many unnecessary gun laws. After listening, she told me that her opinions had changed because of what she learned from our podcast. This goes to show that our podcast was informative. I am glad that I was given the opportunity to participate in this school project because I practiced networking with other people in a way I had perviously never done before. I believe that communication is one of life's most valuable skills.
This is our completed podcast on firearms trafficking to Mexico.