Overview
Bumpers is an iOS application that makes podcasts easy to build, easy to edit and easy to improve.
As with any recording app, you hit the record button and start chatting about your topic. Whatever that might be. Very nice, very basic; what all the other apps can do already.
Bumpers have some extra features that make it awesome including musical segues and asides.
After you finish recording, it is time to edit and get really creative. Bumpers makes it super easy to add musical segues between speaking sections. These transitions are often critical to keeping a listener focused and hanging on. Especially during a longer podcast or during a show that has multiple topics.
Asides, where you add a quick thought or other words for emphasis, are super easy as well. I find myself listening to a recording then adding in a quick thought “what I meant to say…” during the show. It is fun, higher level thinking and entertaining for the listener. Listeners of the popular podcast Radiolab are familiar with this style.
Lastly, the visual interface is really pleasant and the overall look makes it easy to edit.
Concerns
The usual concerns with anything that records and can be pushed out to the wider world: Be careful it is used appropriately.
Sample Uses
- Create a news program about what is happening in the school or beyond
- Create a “This American Life” style show where you retell a story of an exciting event in your life
- Introduce students in the class with a few short words
- Be a roving reporter where you ask people about something going on in the world or at your school
Do I Plan to Use It?
Yes, with ES it is really a great app.
Commitment and Learning Curve
Medium learning curve. Not so much because of the technology, but how to use asides, interruptions and seques without being annoying is really hard!
Best for ES MS or HS?
ES, MS and HS
Cost
Free only
Website Link
Bumpers.fm