The document provides instructions for teachers at Mt Alvernia College on how to create podcasts using Audacity audio editing software. It explains that podcasts are audio files distributed over the internet via RSS feeds, and how to record audio using microphones, recording devices, or smartphones. It then gives step-by-step directions on how to use Audacity to record, edit, and export audio files to upload as podcasts for students. Suggestions are also provided for different ways teachers can use podcasts, such as recording lessons for absent students or explaining assignments.

1. For Teachers @ Mt Alvernia College

2.  A podcast is a series of recordings available on
the internet that are intended for use with a digital
media device.
 The name is a combination of two words – iPod
and broadcast although it is technically inaccurate
(you do not need an iPod).
 The difference between a podcast and an mp3 is
the way in which the user receives the file
(through an RSS feed for podcasts).
 Technically, today we’re learning to make mp3s.

3. Methods to record a sound file:
Using a microphone or headset
Using a sound recording device
You can also use a mobile phone although getting the
files off may require a little fiddling
◦ Eg iPhone – email to yourself; download; convert file type (takes
about 1 minute depending on size).
◦ http://media-convert.com/ (converts online for free)
Choose a method that works for you today and find a friend
or 2.

4. Hold power
button down
to turn on or
off
Use the
record and
stop buttons
Slider on the
back to push
out USB

5.  Insert the USB into the computer
 Locate your file
 Copy the sound file to your user drive
 If you used your phone and need help see me
 You’re ready to edit

7.  Do delete a portion
◦ Use the select tool ( I ) to select what you don’t want
◦ Hit delete on your keyboard
 To Move a selection
◦ Use the time shift tool to drag it into place ( )
 To rearrange the order of parts
◦ Select the part to remove
◦ Edit > Cut
◦ Project > New Audio Track > Click in new track > Paste
(Time shift to move things around)

8.  Add a song
◦ Project > Import Audio
◦ Select the part you want > Cut
◦ Project > New Audio Track > Paste
◦ Press the (X) on the song you no longer want to remove
it
 Fade Out
◦ Select from where you want the fade to start to the end
of the clip
◦ Effects > Fade out

9.  File > Export as MP3
◦ NOTE: if you are using Audacity on the computer for the
first time it will ask you for the LAME encoder.
 You can now upload your mp3 file to Moodle for
your students to locate easily.

10.  Record yourself for students who are absent
◦ If you have an IWB make a pdf of what you have written
on the board as well.
◦ Ensure that you say out loud what you are writing on the
board
◦ Ensure you clearly state the URL (www….) of any
webpages you visit
◦ It may not be quite as good as being there but it is as
close as the students can get!

11.  Record complex explanations
◦ Have you ever spent time explaining all the things
students need to do for their assignment but they
switched off half way through and then came back and
blamed you for not telling them?
◦ Record your explanation
 Better student outcomes because they can refer to the
recording when they are actually doing the assignment
 And no more excuses!

12.  Student collaboration
We all know the girls like to have a chat…
◦Surveys are not the only way to gather information from
other students – they can interview each other
◦Everyone researches a part of the topic
 Each student records their findings – students edit the parts
together
 Even better - they interview each other to find out what was
learnt (and learn themselves in the process)
 Everyone reads on the topic and then record themselves
having a conversation about their findings.

13.  Student Assessment
◦ Many students are very nervous speaking in front of a
crowd
◦ Using an mp3 file allows students to record and re-record
until they are happy with their outcome
◦ You won’t need to use up 3-4 lessons listening to all
those orals back to back – you can do it in the car on
your way to work instead (ha ha maybe not)

14. You are only
limited by your
imagination

15.  Sorry but you droning on about a topic for 10
minutes probably isn’t going to excite your
students
 Instead, prepare some questions and have
someone else ask them (then edit in your answers
– like you were interviewed)
 Get a peer who knows about the topic to sit and
have a professional conversation with you
 Interview someone who works in the field

16.  Start by making your own a few times until you feel
comfortable with the process.
 Arrange the use of the digital recorders
◦ The Business and Technology department currently has 7 digital
recorders.
◦ Many students also have digital recorders on their mobile
phones which are already there in your room and so do many of
you! (Remember to use silent so it doesn’t ring)
 Use the resources on the next page to teach your
students how to use audacity.
 Sit back and watch Louisa go! (okay she may need
some help from time to time)

17.  Atomic Learning
◦ www.atomiclearning.com
◦ Your username is your school email address
◦ Your default password is 123456 (please change this after you
log in the first time)
◦ Student username: mtalvernia password: college
 A Short Teacher Tube Video
◦ http://www.teachertube.com/viewVideo.php?
video_id=127652&title=Creatign_a_Basic_Podcast_Using_Aud
acity&vpkey=
 Paper Instructions
◦ http://www.slideshare.net/Marcus9000/how-to-use-audacity-
guide-handout