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Digital Initiatives Toolkit: Podcasting with Audacity

What is Audacity?

Audacity is a free, open-source audio recording and editing software that allows students to create podcasts, oral histories, audio essays, and other sound-based projects. It works on Windows, Mac, and Linux and provides professional-level editing tools without the cost.

Why use Audacity for podcasting?

✓ Develops communication skills - Students practice oral presentation and storytelling
✓ Increases accessibility - Audio content reaches diverse learners
✓ Builds digital literacy - Students learn professional audio production
✓ Alternative assessment - Allows non-traditional demonstration of learning
✓ Free forever - No licensing fees or subscriptions required

Technical Requirements

  • Free Audacity software (Windows, Mac, or Linux)
  • Microphone (built-in, USB, or headset mic all work)
  • Headphones recommended for editing
  • Hard drive space for audio files (approximately 10 MB per minute of audio)

Getting Started in 3 Steps

1. DOWNLOAD & INSTALL

  • Go to audacityteam.org and download for your operating system
  • Install the software (takes 2-3 minutes)
  • You may also need the LAME MP3 encoder for exporting (free download linked on site)

2. TEST YOUR SETUP

  • Plug in your microphone (built-in laptop mic works fine to start)
  • Open Audacity and click the red Record button
  • Speak for 10 seconds, then click Stop
  • Click Play to hear your recording

3. CREATE YOUR FIRST PROJECT

  • Record audio in segments (easier to edit than one long take)
  • Use Edit > Cut/Copy/Paste to rearrange segments
  • Export as MP3: File > Export > Export as MP3
  • Share via your LMS, SoundCloud, or other hosting platform

Recording Equipment Tips

Beginner Level: Built-in laptop microphone (free, good for testing)
Better Quality: USB microphone like Blue Snowball or Audio-Technica ATR2100 ($50-80)
Best Practice: Record in a quiet room, 6-12 inches from mic, use a "pop filter" (even a sock over the mic helps!)

 

Audio Hosting Options

  • Moodle - Upload MP3 files directly to Moodle
  • Berea Box - Upload and share via link
  • SoundCloud - Free hosting for up to 3 hours of audio
  • Anchor.fm - Free podcast hosting with RSS feed creation
  • Google Drive - Upload and share via link
  • Archive.org - Free permanent hosting for educational content

Sample Assignments

Podcast Essays
Students create 3-5 minute audio essays analyzing course concepts with music and sound effects.

Oral Histories
Interview community members, edit into cohesive narratives, and create audio archives.

Audio Book Reviews
Students record critical reviews of course readings as podcast episodes.

Language Practice
Foreign language students practice pronunciation, record dialogues, or create audio stories.

Reflective Audio Journals
Weekly audio reflections on learning, readings, or field experiences.

Radio Dramas
Creative writing students adapt stories into scripted audio performances with multiple voices.

Grading Tips

Consider a rubric that addresses both content and technical execution:

Content (70%)

  • Clarity of argument/narrative
  • Use of evidence or examples
  • Organization and flow
  • Audience awareness

Production Quality (30%)

  • Audio clarity (minimal background noise)
  • Appropriate volume levels
  • Smooth transitions and editing
  • Creative use of music/sound effects (if required)

Set realistic expectations for first-time audio producers. Focus on clear communication over professional polish.

Resources and Support

Official Tutorials: manual.audacityteam.org
Video Walkthroughs: Search "Audacity tutorial" on YouTube
Quick Reference: Keyboard shortcuts at audacityteam.org
Forum Support: forum.audacityteam.org
Podcasting Guide: transom.org (excellent for audio storytelling techniques)

Copyright & Music Considerations

Important: Students cannot use copyrighted music without permission. Recommend these free resources:

  • Free Music Archive (freemusicarchive.org) - CC-licensed music
  • YouTube Audio Library - Free music and sound effects
  • Incompetech (incompetech.com) - Royalty-free music by Kevin MacLeod
  • Freesound.org - Creative Commons sound effects

Teach students to credit all music and sounds used.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

"My recording is too quiet/loud"
→ Use Effect > Normalize to adjust overall volume levels

"There's background noise"
→ Use Effect > Noise Reduction (select a sample of noise first, then apply to whole track)

"I can't export as MP3"
→ Install the LAME encoder (free download from audacityteam.org)

"My tracks aren't syncing"
→ Use the Time Shift Tool (double-headed arrow) to move tracks on the timeline

"The software crashed and I lost my work"
→ Always File > Save Project frequently. Enable automatic recovery in Preferences.

Key Features

Multi-Track Recording - Layer multiple audio tracks (voices, music, sound effects)

Basic Editing Tools - Cut, copy, paste, trim, and silence unwanted audio

Effects & Filters - Normalize volume, reduce noise, add fade in/out, adjust tempo

Generate Tones - Add silence, create tones, or generate background sounds

Label Tracks - Mark sections for easy navigation and editing

Best Practices

✓ Start with a script - Encourage students to write before recording
✓ Record in quiet spaces - Minimize background noise
✓ Use the "Room Tone" trick - Record 10 seconds of silence to match background ambiance
✓ Save project files - Save as .aup3 (Audacity project) before exporting to MP3
✓ Provide technical tutorials - Create or share video walkthroughs for basic functions
✓ Model expectations - Share sample podcasts at the quality level you expect