What is Audacity?

Audacity is a free, open source, cross-platform audio software for multi-track recording and editing. For more information about the product, visit http://www.audacityteam.org/

How do we use Audacity at our school?

Students use Audacity to record themselves while reading and then listen back to hear how they have read. This is a method of practicing to increase reading fluency. Because the recording is saved, students can create goals, teachers can provide specific feedback and it is easier to hear progress over time.

How do I use Audacity?

1. Download the Audacity program - http://www.audacityteam.org/download/
2. If frequently used, make a shortcut to the Desktop.
3. Determine where audio files will be saved. I suggest creating a folder called Audio Files either on the desktop or in Documents. Here’s why. Once the student saves the first file, it will create the default path to that folder and will keep these files organized.
4. There are 3 main buttons. (Audacity has a lot of features - only these ones are needed.)

1. Record (red) Press once to start recording.
2. Stop (orange) Press to stop recording or to stop playing.
3. Play (green) Press to play recording.
4. *The colors also help with teaching a pattern for use ie Red, Orange to record; Green, Orange to listen.)

5. At this time, the audio is just a recording. It is in project form. (People who mix music need this feature to edit their music.) To keep track of the files and be able to share them with teachers, the project needs to be converted and saved to an audio file.

1. Goto File, Export Audio
2. Choose the preferred folder location (Audio Files)
3. Name the file. (We have our students use the month, date and the initials in their name so that it is easy to remember how to name them and easy to find for the teacher.)
4. We keep the default file extension, but this may be different for other laptops and needs.
5. Click OK through the remaining prompts.

6. When closing Audacity, the student will be prompted to Save project before closing. This is not needed. It will only take up space on the computer and cause confusion over which file to open. Select No.

7. To play the audio file, double click on the file. This is where the laptop needs to be set up with a media player to listen to the recording.

1. There are many media players - here are a few.

1. Windows has Windows Media Player https://support.microsoft.com/en-us/help/14209/get-windows-media-player
2. Mac has Quicktime - https://www.apple.com/quicktime/download/
3. VLC works on both platforms - https://www.videolan.org/vlc/index.en_GB.html

8. The audio file should now play.

How does this help students?

• When a student listens back to their own reading, it helps them

• Think about their pacing if reading too quickly
• Identify mistakes in pronunciation
• Read with expression
• Set goals to practice and improve on specific skills
• Increase fluency
• Increase comprehension
• Listen to their reading while following along with the text or their writing.

How much does it cost (after transition)?

Audacity is a free download.

Does it work on other devices?

It works on PCs and Macs, but not mobile devices or chromebooks.

What do I need to know when a student transitions?

• Find out the device the student will be using. If using a mobile device, there are many apps that record voice.
• Fluency affects comprehension. Talk to the reading teacher and content teachers about whether fluency practice might help the student understand the content.

What else is good to know?

• There are other tools that record audio. Many laptops come with them built in. We use Audacity because the sound quality is good, it is simple to install and use and students can see the audio track to watch for voice inflections related to reading with expression.
• If using online recording programs, check on copyright information of what is being recorded. For example, everything that gets uploaded to Practice Reading Aloud, a feature on the Read&Write for Google toolbar, becomes part of what they own. Some content providers do not allow their proprietary information to be collected and shared in this manner. If a student is reading their own writing, Practice Reading Aloud might be a better fit.

• Sometimes, it might be easier and better if a student uses an attached microphone. Here is a USB microphone that we have used - VAlinks(TM) Mini Flexible Plug and Play Home Studio USB Mic Computer Microphone. https://www.amazon.com/VAlinks-Microphone-Recording-Compatible-Raspberry/dp/B014MASID4/ref=sr_1_22?ie=UTF8&qid=1487002777&sr=8-22&keywords=usb+microphone

Where can I find more information?

6 Essential Skills for Reading Comprehension

https://www.understood.org/en/articles/6-essential-skills-needed-for-reading-comprehension

*Please note that technology and pricing is always changing. This document reflects the most recent known information as indicated by the Last Updated Date at the top of the page.