audio


 * Audio tools **

toc = Why use audio in your classes? = A voice message is an element of interest and motivation for students, because they can hear colleagues, the teacher, anybody... and hear themselves, thus, being able to improve their listening comprehension and speaking skills in the L2. Being able to listen to native speakers (NS) and non-native speakers (NNS) allows them to tune their ears to different pronunciations, which is a very big advantage, especially in a world there are many different Englishes and where NNS already outnumber NS.

= Equipment needed = To record and listen to a voice message you need a **headset with a mic** (if you're on a PC) or **built-in mic and speakers** (if you're on a laptop).

= Programs to be used =
 * Vocaroo, Audiopal, Voxopop and Audacity

= Workshop Activities =

Recording Online

 * Vocaroo

media type="custom" key="8425460"


 * test Vocaroo (above)
 * log in to my account
 * trainees try out the tool
 * demo how to insert a link in a wiki (see the tutorial)
 * demo how to embed html code for the vocaroo widget / application (app)
 * copy the message code
 * click the "Widget" button"
 * select Audio > Other
 * paste the code
 * click "Save"


 * AudioPal
 * record a message
 * create a link to it in the wiki
 * embed the message in the wiki


 * [|Voxopop]
 * listen to an example of a group recording (BaW09)
 * log in to my account
 * listen to my Intros recording


 * demo how to start a talkgroup (link at the top)
 * fill in the required fields and click the "Create my talkgroup" button
 * demo how to start a discussion
 * give it a name
 * record messages


 * ViP: ** Visit our **[|Yakutsk_feb11]** "talkgroup", click on **Yakutsk_intros_feb11**, listen to my message and leave yours.

Recording Offline

 * Audacity ** (download **[|Audacity]** and then the **[|Lame MP3 Encoder]**, both programs in the same folder)
 * open Audacity
 * record a message
 * listen to the message
 * save (export) the message as .mp3
 * listen again to check if everything is ok


 * upload the message to the wiki
 * insert a link to the message (two ways)


 * Windows recorder **
 * open the "Sound Recorder": click Start > Programs > Entertainment > Sound Recorder
 * record a message
 * listen to it
 * save it (in this case it's as .wav)


 * ViP:** Since .wav files are heavier than .mp3, it's advisable to open your file in Audacity and in the File menu, select "Export as .mp3" and "Save".

= Computer lab activities (suggestions) =


 * You may work in groups of Vocaroo, Audiopal, Voxopop and Audacity to explore tools and exchange your experience afterwards
 * Online tools Vocaroo, Audiopal and Voxopop need connection and off-line tool Audacity doesn't need connection
 * Record your voice or use this source []
 * Choose audio you want to record at [] or []
 * Save the file on your wiki page
 * Demonstrate it in class