Audacity is a free, open source digital audio editor software that allows users to record, edit, and export audio files on their computer. It has basic features like recording, playback, trimming clips, and adjusting volume as well as more advanced options like removing background noise and changing speed. The document provides step-by-step instructions on downloading, recording, saving, and sharing audio files using Audacity to integrate audio into classroom lessons.

1. Got Audacity? GHS Tech-no-thon February 24, 2009

2. What is Audacity? A free digital audio editor A portable “tape recorder” on your computer A way to store students’ sound files A way to edit and compile CDs A way to collaborate with colleagues

3. Basic features You can do everything you can do on a conventional tape recorder, plus: Remove background noise Mix audio tracks Add white noise or silence Fade in and out Adjust the speed And more!

4. How do I do it??? a) record it It’s a free download: Ask tech support to filewave Audacity to your computer (or load it yourself at home) Open up Audacity If no file is open, choose “file>new” from pulldown menu On the button, press the round red “record” button Record a test track Press the square “stop” button, then the green “play” button to test your recording.

5. You recorded it, now b) save it Under “file” menu, choose “Export as .mp3 file” and save it to your desktop (.mp3 file takes less space than .wav file) Note: the first time you save on any computer, you will see a message saying you have to locate the “lame” encoder. You only need to do this the first time you use it on any computer. Locate and open it from the Audacity applications file. See the Audacity website for specific instructions. 2. See Ryan Jonas’s website (on last slide in “resources”) to see tips for naming student files

6. c) Now send it! Send the .mp3 file to yourself as an attachment, and open it to see if it worked OK

7. How can I use it to teach? a) conduct a conversation or discussion b) guided conversation with cues (foreign language classes) d) have a guest/native speaker record something to use later in class e) listen to a story (with or without written text) f) practice pronunciation or recite poetry g) record a student speech h) compile a CD I) add audio to a Power Point presentation M) special ed. teachers: record tests/or test directions N) science classes: students can record labs

8. Resources For your free download go to : http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ For lots of good tips go to Ryan’s page http://rjonas89.googlepages.com/mp3startpage