Video Tutorials
Logging In
To access the eCast system, you will need your CCID and password (follow this link to the AICT Helpdesk if you need CCID help). Using any web browser, go to https://ecast.srv.ualberta.ca and fill in your credentials.
Notes:
- Don't worry if the url is different when you arrive at the login screen: the web submission form needs a secure connection to operate.
- By signing in using your CCID and password, be aware that you are agreeing to abide by the University of Alberta's Rules and Guidelines for acceptable computing practices
Submit an Episode
Once you log in to eCast with your CCID, you are taken directly to the Welcome screen with a general overview of episodes and podcasts. To upload an episode, click on the submit button to be taken to the submission page shown below. The first step is to click the browse button and locate the audio or video file on your local machine that you wish to publish into one of your podcasts. If you have not already created an audio or video file for submission, please see the PDF document, "Creating Audio Files for Podcasting". Once you select either an audio or video episode (depending on the type of file you have prepared), the Submit form expands to other required information.
If this is your first submission, your only choice is the Default Podcast. Otherwise select from the podcasts you have previously created. You should fill in the episode Title and Description fields with enough meaningful information to identify your content. Then select whether you want your content to be public or private and click submit. If your submission is successful, you will see the screen below. Click on the 'Done' button to complete the process.
Notes:
- Clicking on the blue information icon
at any point in the submission process will provide contextual help. - You can rename the Default podcast at the 'My Podcast' administration screen.
- Private files are only accessible to the user who uploads them or to a list of CCIDs that they designate.
Managing Your Podcasts
You can access your Podcasts either by clicking on the 'Manage my Podcasts' button after a successful episode submission or by clicking the 'My Podcasts' link at any time. You will see a screen that lists all the Podcasts you have created. The number of episodes in each podcast is listed to the right of the Podcast title and clicking this link will open a list of all the episode titles and descriptions. You can organize your podcasts in any manner that suits your subject matter or how you wish the content to be used.
The toolbar below the description contains all the functions to administer your podcasts. The 'Edit Podcast' link allows you to rename your Podcast or edit its description. That screen also allows you to control access to your podcast: either public, private (only you can access the content), or limited (you grant access to select individuals by inputting their CCIDs). The toolbar also has the tools to manage episodes within each podcast: you can add or edit existing ones. The last link opens a dialogue enabling you to send an email to anyone you want to share your podcast with, if you have chosen a public podcast.
Notes:
- Clicking on the Podcast title will open all its episodes in a new window on the streaming server for delivery over the web.
- Clicking on an Episode title will open that episode in a new window on the streaming server for delivery over the web.
- The
button opens the RSS xml feed for your podcast. Sharing this url (by copying the address in the browser window that opens) will allow people to subscribe to your podcast via their browser or other RSS readers or aggregators. This assumes that your podcast is public or that the users you share the feed with have CCID access to your content. - The
button opens the iTunes subscription link for your podcast. Sharing this link (right click and choose 'Copy Link Location') will allow users to subscribe to your feed using iTunes. Once you give them the url, they should select 'Advanced', then 'Subscribe to Podcast', and enter the shared URL. This feature should be used for users planning to view the content with mobile devices such as iPods or iTouchs. This again assumes that your podcast is public or that the users you share the feed with have CCID access to your content.
If you are having any difficulties using the eCast system, please contact the CTL Technology Services team at 780-492-9372 or send us an email at ecast@ualberta.ca