May8

Audacity

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Audacity

I came across the program Audacity last year and I love using it in the classroom.

Audacity is an audio editor that can be used on Windows or Mac, it is so easy to use  and it’s free.




About Audacity

Audacity is a free,-to-use and multilingual audio editor and recorder for Windows, Mac OS X, GNU/Linux and other operating systems. You can use Audacity to:

  • Record live audio.
  • Convert tapes and records into digital recordings or CDs.
  • Edit Ogg Vorbis, MP3, WAV or AIFF sound files.
  • Cut, copy, splice or mix sounds together.
  • Change the speed or pitch of a recording.
  • And more! See the complete list of features.

Some ways that I have used Audacity in the classroom

  1. Make a recording of children reading. I have found this to be a great assessment tool. I record children at various points in the year and they love hearing how their reading has improved. Also great idea to use this to add to their Ultranet Portfolio. (if in Vict)
  2. Record any musical compositions to share with others and parents. Make a CD to share with parents on special calendar days like Education week.
  3. Create podcasts to go with projects or anything you like. My class have been doing this with our Inquiry Unit. We have then uploaded to the class wiki and blog. Another great way to share with parents or at assembly too
  4. Record voices to add to a powerpoint
  5. Record your own voice to make a MP3 for children to listen to in Guided or Rainbow reading. Becomes very easy to build up a range of resources and the kids love listening to their teacher.

How do you use Audacity in the classroom?

Also visit the excellent blog Tip of the Iceberg for a great post and more ideas on using Audacity in the classroom.

4 responses »

  1. Jodi,
    I love Audacity too! It’s a wonderful software. Thanks for sharing your ideas here, and the Tip of the Iceberg blog.
    I use it in many of the ways that you mention, especially in doing podcasts now with the older students, and with English Language learners. I wonder if you might be able to share some of the podcasts that you’ve found helpful? I’m always looking for some to share as exemplars for the younger students.

    I find it’s nice to record Reader’s Theatre performances and then it makes a great listening centre activity later — students can read along with script in hand.

    Thanks,
    Brenda

    Reply ↓

    • Hi Brenda,

      I like your idea of using Audacity with English Language Learners. I’m not familiar with The Readers Theatre but sounds similar to a program we use at school called Rainbow Reading. We recently made mini weather report podcasts. The kids loved it and it’s also a great way to share with parents what we have been working on in class.

      Here’s the link

      http://mswoodward.global2.vic.edu.au/

      Thanks for leaving a comment

      Jodi

      Reply ↓

  3. Hi Susan,

    Thanks for leaving a comment.

    We use Audacity in the Grade 1/2 class and the kids love hearing their own voices. We recently recorded our voices for a weather report. I’m sure we are using the program at a very basic level and would enjoy trying out a couple new more advance techniques with them such as mixing in music and playing around with the special effects.

    Cheers

    Jodi

    Reply ↓

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