Audacity is a free, open source digital audio editor software that allows users to record, edit, and export audio files. It has many of the basic features of a tape recorder, including recording audio, playing audio, and editing features like removing background noise, mixing tracks, adding effects, and adjusting speed. The document provides step-by-step instructions on how to download, install, and use Audacity to record audio, save files in MP3 format, and send recordings via email. It also lists several ways Audacity can be used for teaching purposes, such as conducting discussions, having students record assignments, and compiling audio lessons.

1. Got Audaci t y?
Helpful audio technology for
teaching and for the AP exam

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
i t ???
a) r ecor d i t1. It’s a free download: Ask tech support to
filewave Audacity to your computer (or load it
yourself at home)
2. Open up Audacity
3. If no file is open, choose “file>new” from
pulldown menu
4. On the button, press the round red “record”
button
5. Record a test track
6. Press the square “stop” button, then the
green “play” button to test your recording.

5. You recorded it, now
b) save it
1. 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.

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