Audacity

From FCTL eLearning Wiki

Audacity is a free, open source audio recording and editing software. This walk-in session will introduce you to Audacity's interface and show you how to edit audio files.

When first opening Audacity, there are no audio tracks displayed. To create a new track select the source (microphone, line in, stereo mix) and then click on the record button. Use the input volume to adjust the microphone gain. To edit an existing file select open and browse for the file. Formats include wav, mp3, and ogg (ogg vorbis is an open source cross platform audio and video format - see Wikipedia sound list below).

Audacity preferences such as the number of channels to record in (mono, stereo, 3+), the default sample rate, keystroke shortcuts, etc. can be found under Edit >> Preferences.

Contents 1 Exporting files in MP3 format 2 Examples of Ways to Use Audio in Instruction 3 Resources 4 Tutorials

Exporting files in MP3 format

You will need to download and install the LAME MP3 encoder in order to save your files in the MP3 format. Once downloaded, the first time you attempt to save the file as MP3 you will be prompted to locate the encoder.

Activity - Storytelling with sound effects

Record a bedtime story such as Goldilocks and the Three Bears
Find, and save sounds which could add effect to the story (e.g. door opening, chair rocking,
chair breaking, yawning, growling). Edit sounds and tracks to create the desired effects. 

Ideas for Educational use: Podcasting, storytelling, language files, music, mechanical or biological diagnostics.

Examples of Ways to Use Audio in Instruction

• McGill University Virtual Stethoscope - this site uses audio to illustrate normal and abnormal sounds related to physical examinations. There are also quizzes to help students master the stethoscope.
• Wisconsin Breeding Bird Atlas - this resource includes information on all the birds in Wisconsin along with an audio library of the various species.

Resources

• Audacity Website includes the free download of Audacity for Mac OS X, Windows, Linux and other operating systems and their wiki.
• Wikipedia's Sound listList of public domain music available on Wikipedia
• FindSounds.com
• Free Audio Clips

Tutorials

• Audacity 1.2 Tutorial includes step-by-step information with screenshots and videos.
• Audacity Tutorial: How to Record and Edit Audio with Audacity from Guides and Tutorials.com
• CIS Documentation, Audacity Tutorial, this wiki site is more informational and less of a step-by-step tutorial for audacity. It still includes helpful information.
• FLTP Audacity Tutorial to teach foreign language instructors how to use audacity.