Classroom Uses for Audacity

Audacity is a free sound-editing program that can be downloaded from the Internet. I have used it for podcasting in my classroom and found it to be very easy to learn. For those just starting out, you may want to check out a tutorial on Audacity. Many people use Audacity to create and edit podcasts, but there are many more ways you can use Audacity in the classroom besides podcasting.

For the reading and language arts class, you can read poetry outloud for hear the rhythm and rhyme. You can record reader’s theater, storytelling, or examples of reading fluency for each child. The students can write interviews, how-to instructions, and classroom news sessions. Listen to this example recording by Christopher Walken for “The Raven” and imagine being able to create similar performances in your visual and performing arts class. Speech teachers and ESL teachers can use Audacity to record a child’s pronunciation and use the recordings to show progress. For music class, teachers can record students singing or playing instruments. If you have a projector that will allow you to project your computer in class, you can then play and show the music to your class to demonstrate rhythm and sound waves. Audacity can be found in math lessons as well. There is one lesson that teaches all about the dynamics of sound waves and another that teaches you to “see music” with harmony and dissonance. Check out the lesson plans!

Remember, there is no power like the power of the spoken word.Children find listening to their own voice motivating (I know, go figure), so why not channel that into something powerful in the classroom? Once I started podcasting with my third grade class, even my most reluctant writers were scrambling to get information onto paper. Like the old “Life” cereal commercial said, “Try it! You’ll like it!”

Podcasting in the Classroom

Podcasting became one of the headlines in Frederick’s Gazette newspaper this past week. Margarita Raycheva crafted a wonderful article highlighting the benefits of podcasting with students. What exactly is a podcast? A podcast is like a radio show that is posted to the Internet and can be subscribed to via RSS feed. The beauty of podcasting is that students are the stars of the show. Since the children want time in front of the microphone, they are motivated to research and write scripts to turn into podcasts. Some teachers use podcasts scripts as a part of the student’s writing grade. Since anyone in the world can subscribe to the podcast once it is posted, a student’s family members can subscribe to the podcast from anywhere. Last year our third grade podcast had hits from Korea due to one student who had extended family living there. How much more motivating and engaging can it be to have people around the world listen to your show?

Our class used free software called Audacity to record the show. We found music clips from MagnaTune that allows people to include their music for podcasts. In a podcast, there can be many different types of segments:

• Word of the Day
• Tips for learning your math facts
• This Day in History
• Interviews with real guest speakers or fictional guests (like George Washington)
• Reading Fluency practice with stories
• Animal Facts
• Where in the World? (Geographical clues to a mystery location)
• Factual reports
• Persuasive speeches
• School songs
• Teachers can podcast to create a review for a test or to record a lecture. What a great way to catch up or get ahead in class!

One of the best examples of a school podcast site that I have seen is Radio Willow Web. They have been a model for other schools all over the country and have been published in several books and articles. My only regret with podcasting is that I didn’t try it sooner. It was the only activity that fully engaged every learner in my classroom regardless of ability level.