Web+PR+Level+2



Working with Audio (Creating PodCasts)

=Course Objectives and Resources= toc

** Objectives **
**Planning**
 * 1) The learner will find and successfully download Audacity or other approved podcasting program.
 * 2) The learner will create and plan the podcast using a storyboard format that includes content TEKS for their academic subject of choice.
 * 3) The learner will include dialogue with clear beginning, middle and end.
 * 4) The learner will comprehend how to include music/sound and decide if including such will enhance project.
 * 5) The learner will write a lesson that incorporates the use of their podcast.
 * 6) The learner will create a rubric or assessment tool for the lesson the podcast will be used for.

**Recording** **Editing**
 * 1) The learner will successfully plug in microphone and test for sound.
 * 2) The learner will successfully use the record button to record desired dialogue, considering appropriate volume and minimal background noise.
 * 3) The learner will create a podast that is clear and easy to understand.
 * 4) The learner will create a podcast that is between five and six minutes in length.
 * 1) The learner will demonstrate the ability to use special effects (3 or more), depending on the nature of the podcast.
 * 2) The learner will edit to remove unnecessary parts such as silence and long pauses.

**Saving**
 * 1) The learner will successfully name and save files in specified locations.
 * 2) The learner will successfully save files as mp3 or other approved format.
 * Exporting**
 * 1) The learner will successfully publish podcast to the web.
 * 2) The learner will successfully test the podcast from the web.
 * 3) The learner will successfully demonstrate editing the ID or name tag for the mp3.


 * ISTE Standards **


 * Teachers will demonstrate continual growth in technology knowledge and skills to stay abreast of current and emerging technologies.
 * Teachers will apply current research on teaching and learning with technology when planning learning environments and experiences.
 * Teachers will plan for the management of technology resources within the context of learning activities.
 * Teachers will facilitate technology-enhanced experiences that address content standards and student technology standards.
 * Teachers will use technology to support learner-centered strategies that address the diverse needs of students.
 * Teachers will apply technology to develop students' higher order skills and creativity.
 * Teachers will manage student learning activities in a technology-enhanced environment.
 * Teachers will apply technology in assessing student learning of subject matter using a variety of assessment techniques.
 * Teachers will apply multiple methods of evaluation to determine students' appropriate use of technology resources for learning, communication, and productivity.
 * Teachers will use technology resources to engage in ongoing professional development and lifelong learning.
 * Teachers will use technology to communicate and collaborate with peers, parents, and the larger community in order to nurture student learning.
 * Teachers will model and teach legal and ethical practice related to technology use.
 * Teachers will promote safe and healthy use of technology resources.


 * Terminology **


 * Audacity is a free, open source software used for digital audio recording and editing.
 * LAME is a free software application used to encode audio into the MP3 file format.
 * MP3 (MPEG-1 Audio Layer-3) is a standard technology and format for compressing a sound sequence into a very small file (about one-twelfth the size of the original file) while preserving the original level of sound quality when it is played.
 * ID3 is a metadata specification that allows information to be added to MP3 files. Commonly, items like track title, artist, album and track number are placed within ID3 "tags" that identify the type of data contained within.
 * WAV (Waveform audio format) is a Microsoft and IBM audio file format standard for storing audio on PCs.
 * AIFF (Audio Interchange File Format)isan audio file format standard used for storing sound data for personal computers and other electronic audio devices.
 * Amplify increases or decreases the volume of a track or set of tracks. When you open the dialog, Audacity automatically calculates the maximum amount you could amplify the selected audio without causing clipping (from being too loud).

Additional Resources:
 * [|Podcasting Booklet - by Tony Vincent]
 * [|Learning in Hand: Create Podcasts - by Tony Vincent]
 * [|Evaluation: What makes a good Podcast - by Kathy Schrock]
 * [|Do you have the audacity to podcast (PowerPoint)]

=Topic 1: Podcasting - Overview=

A podcast is a radio broadcast or similar program made available on the Internet for downloading to a personal audio player, mobile device or personal computer. Although the term podcast is derived from the words iPod and broadcasting, podcasts are not limited to iPod or Apple brand products. .. [click here to read more] //** link to Cast Out! Podcasting in the Classroom. **//

=Topic 2: How to upload and embed audio files=

Click on the links below to open the following handouts:
 * Download (.pdf) 'How to upload audio/video files'
 * Download (.pdf) 'How to embed audio/video files'

=Topic 3: How to Convert a file using WinFF=

Click on the links below to open the following files:
 * View video 'How to Convert a file using WinFF'
 * Download (.pdf) 'How to Download WinFF'

=Topic 4: Podcast Safe Music Sites=

__**Finding Podcast Safe Music**__

If you choose to add music and/or sound effects to a Pod- or Vodcast, you need to be sure that it is podsafe audio; can be legally used and freely distributed online for others to download.


 * //FOR TEACHERS//**, it is recommended that you download dozens of sound files ahead of time and have them available for students to import into Audacity.

Here is a list of sites that offer **//Podsafe//** Audio files to get you started:


 * dig CCMixter: []
 * SoundSnap: [|http://www.soundsnap.com/]
 * The Freesound Project: [|freesound.iua.upf.edu]
 * Flash Kit: [|flashkit.com/soundfx]
 * fOUR bEES: [|tinyurl.com/5mpwv5]
 * Podcast Bumper Music: [|bumpermusic.blogspot.com]
 * Podsafe Audio: [|podsafeaudio.com]