Creating digital audio for teaching and learning by Zeieel Publishing

Cr eat i ng di gi t alaudi o f ort eac hi ng andl ear ni ng As t epbys t eppr ac t i c algui deus i ngAudac i t y

Fez i l eMl ungu

CONTRIBUTORS Cover design Layout Editor Actors

: : : :

Printed by Published by Author

: : :

Zeieel graphics Zeieel graphics Russel de la Porteâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Write Art ( www.writeart.com ) Busiswa Genukile Gladys Makina (video on hardware and hardware set-up) Fezile Mlungu (audio) Copyworld Zeieel Publishing Fezile Mlungu

The content inside this handbook and the demonstrations in the Canvas LMS that go with this hand-book must not be copied or distributed without the permission of the author.

NOTE TO THE READER This handbook is not an indepth look at professional audio creation. It is meant to be an easy to use ready reference on creating and editing audio, that you would like to use for teaching and learning. So, it is for beginners who would like to get stuff done without spending time and much money on audio design and development professionals. The author has used his years of training and on-field industry expereince to come up with this handbook and it is hoped that it will be of help to the user. This handbook is accompanied by the following extra support materials; 1. DVD with Audacity installaion files 2. This handbook comes with support from Canvas (https://canvas.instructure.com/login). Canvas is a Learning and Content Management System. By using Canvas you will be able to access the following; a. Assignment that the author prepared so as to help and challenge the learner to research more about audio production for teaching and learning b. Discussions topics for each lesson so learners can interact with the author and other learners on the canvas network using the handbook c. Grades. By participating into dicussions, submitting assignmmments and doing quizzes the learner will get marks to determine the extent of understanding the content in the handbook d. People â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The learners will meet fellow learners in the canvas system and interact with those learners to share problems, challenges and successes in learning audio creation e. Files â&#x20AC;&#x201C; The following support files are stored in Canvas; i. Audacity source files to use as per instructions in the handbook ii. An unedited MP3 file for your use as per instructions in the handbook iii. A completed MP3 file for your use as per instructions in the handbook iv. Audacity on-screen demonstration of each lesson in the handbook to watch and learn so as understand better how to use Audacity v. Videos showing how to set-up recording hardware in preparation for recording

f. Modules. The support content in this handbook as mentioned at point 2(f) above can be found under Modules in Canvas. Each module contains a lesson from the handbook For best success in learning audio creation using this handbook, I will suggest you use Canvas. For more information about creating a Canvas account, contact Fezile Mlungu as follows; ď&#x201A;ˇ ď&#x201A;ˇ

E-Mail Mobile

zeieel.fezilemlungu@gmail.com (+27) 072 9999 317

If you do not have Internet access or access to Canvas, contact the author as per contacts details above for help. Note that Audacity is a free digital audio editor and recording computer software application. You can download Audacity for free from the Internet and use it for your own purposes. Also make sure to download and install LAME software so you can be able to publish your files as MP3.

iii

BACKGROUND OF THE AUTHOR I currently work as a Materials Developer/E-Learning Specialist at Walter Sisulu University, Eastern Cape, South Africa. My job involves assisting lecturers and students on use of digital multimedia (audio, video, images and animation) in teaching and learning. I also do other e-learning related activities using Learning Management System called Blackboard. I hold a Bachelor of Arts in Education, Bphil in Hypermedia for Language Learning and Creative Multimedia diploma from Walter Sisulu University, Stellenbosch University and Multimedia University of Malaysia respectively. I have worked in various companies like Juta Publishers, LRMG Perfomance Agency, Mandevco Consultants, Mindset TV and Memar TV in the fields of digital multimedia and e-learning design, development and management.

TABLE OF CONTENTS Topic

Page No.

How to use this handbook â&#x20AC;&#x201C; icons guide

Computer multimedia hardware to prepare before starting Audacity lesson

vii

Basic computer skills and knowledge required for learning Audacity

viii

What will you learn from this handbook?

Lesson 1: Introduction to audio and Audacity

Lesson 1.1 What is Audacity?

Lesson 1.2 What to prepare before starting to learn using Audacity?

Lesson 2: Step by step guide in importing audio to Audacity for edit

3-8

Lesson 3: Step by step guide on recording audio using Audacity

9 - 13

Lesson 4: Step by step guide on editing audio in Audacity

14 - 19

Lesson 5: Step by step guide on adding two audio files into one file

20 â&#x20AC;&#x201C; 24

Lesson 6: Step by step guide on publishing audio to MP3 using Audacity

Lesson 7: What to do with your completed MP3 audio file?

LIST OF FIGURES Figure 1:

Equipment required to record audio

Figure 2:

A person wearing headphones plugged in on a computer and ready for recording

HOW TO USE THIS HANDBOOK – Icons Guide The following icons appear on the handbook so as to guide you through for easy interaction with the handbook.



Note before continuing. This is important information you must not skip before you continue.

Mouse click action to be done on the screen. 

There is more information inside. Most cases a website link.



See demonstration on Canvas LCMS.



E-Mail the address provided for help.



Call this mobile number for help



Enter into dicussions with fellow students and authors on Canvas LCMS



Look closely on the figure provided, for an example, an image

Computer multimedia hardware to prepare before starting Audacity lesson Touchpad on a laptop 1

Mouse rightclick button

Mouse leftclick button 3

Computer mouse 4

Headphone speakers Stand alone speaker 7

5 Recording microphone on headphones

@1 computer touchpad â&#x20AC;&#x201C; you can use a laptop with touchpad as this one but it is recommeded that you use computer mouse instead @4, with right @2 and left @3 click buttons. Make sure you have headphones with recording microphone @6 and speakers @5. ............................................................................................................................ For more information on recording headphones, go to page 10 of this handbook. @7 is a speaker that you can connect to your computer. Please note that computers have on-board vii speakers, but for a better sound such speakers are necessary.

BASIC COMPUTER SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIRED FOR LEARNING AUDACITY It is expected that before attempting to learn Audacity, you must have basic to intermediate skills and knowledge of working on a computer and that you tick all the boxes listed below. Do you have Internet access? (very important – if not contact the author



? Do you know how to ? Download software/application/programme from the Internet Install software/application/programme on a computer Create a folder/sub-folder/file on a computer Copy/cut and paste files into folders and sub-folders Save a file to a folder using underscores (_), eg, myFile_version1.doc Rename file/folder/sub-folder Left/right click on a computer screen using a mouse

      

Perform any task on a computer like word processing, for an example, using MS Word or MS Powerpoint  Insert an image/audio/video  Locate a file whilst inserting it



Do the following on a computer application;  Click  Drag  Click and drag at the same time



You know of basic computer application terms like;  Cursor  Mouse



Use World Wide Web services;  Surfing the web  Using Facebook  Has used an LCMS before



= if you can tick all the boxes, then you can continue = ..................................................................................................................................................

viii

Lesson 1:

Introduction to audio and Audacity

CREATING AND EDITING AUDIO USING AUDACITY

You will learn:

   

How How How How

to to to to

import existing audio record audio edit audio export audio to MP3

in Audacity

In this handbook we will be using Audacity to create and edit audio to be used in a multimedia application or played-back on a mutimedia/audio playing device. Basically, all you need to know so as to create audio in a computer software application is how to; i. Import audio into Audacity track ii. Record audio into Audacity track iii. Edit audio in the Audacity track a. Deleting unnecessary content in your audio b. Mixing two audio files (in multiple tracks) to make one audio iv. Create an MP3 file format of the finished audio To do all these mentioned above, we will be using Audacity. But before that, let’s look at;

WHY USE AUDIO FOR TEACHING AND LEARNING? 



Audio is popular and easily usable by the listener. From home theater systems to mobile devices, there are many ways one can access an audio recording. Creating audio has also got easier and cheaper due to latest developments in hardware and software technology where even mobile media devices record audio in acceptable standards For recording and play-back of; o Teaching activities o Learning activities Expert opinions and live events can be recorded and those recordings gets distributed to students and stored for further playback

For more information go to;  

http://www.tonybates.ca/2012/03/18/pedagogical-roles-for-audio-in-online-learning/ http://www.jiscdigitalmedia.ac.uk/guide/using-audio-in-teaching-and-learning

Now lets look at creation of audio using Audacity.

Lesson 1:

Introduction to audio and Audacity

1.1 What is Audacity? Audacity is a free digital audio editor and recording computer software application. You can download Audacity for free from the Internet.

1.2 What to prepare before starting to learn Audacity? First we will be importing audio into Audacity. You can use your own audio if you like (see note ()) below. You need access to Canvas LCMS to learn better Audacity (see pages ii – iii, point 2(f)) since examplary files and source files are stored there. (talk about audacity software) (talk about Lame(mp3) software)



Audacity supports importing of audio files with the following file types/formats: WAV, AIFF, AU, MP3 or Ogg Vorbis. Audacity supports exporting of audio files with the following file types/formats: WAV, MP3 or Ogg Vorbis.

So, if you have an audio file with any of the above mentioned file types/formats, you can use it in Audacity.



1. Download/get Audacity 2. Install it in your computer 3. Open Audacity in your computer Now get ready to start learning Audacity! Follow the red arrow

.....................................................................................................................................................



Download Audacity: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/

More information and manuals:

Definition: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Audacity_%28audio_editor%29

http://manual.audacityteam.org/o/man/ 3. Wiki page: http://wiki.audacityteam.org/wiki/Audacity_Wiki_Home_Page 4. Tips: http://wiki.audacityteam.org/wiki/Category:Tips

Lesson 2:

Importing Audio to Audacity

This is Audacity new screen ready for audio file import.

ď&#x20AC;¸

1.2.1 Click on Project.

Lesson 2:

ď&#x20AC;¸

Importing Audio to Audacity

1.2.2 Click on Import Audio...

Lesson 2:

Importing Audio to Audacity

ď&#x20AC;¸

1.2.3 A Locate File dialogue box appears... (@1) Select the audio file you prepared and stored as per point 1.2 above...or downloaded from Canvas, then (@2) Click Open to open the audio file in Audacity.

Lesson 2:

Importing Audio to Audacity

Imported audio on a track

 

The audio file appears on a track in Audacity in a blue wave-form, ready for edit. (1) = Skip to Start button, (2) = Play button, (3) = Record button, (4) = Pause button, (5) = Stop button and (6) = Skip to End button.

1.2.4 Play around with the buttons as indicated from numbers 1-4 above. Click on Stop button. More information on track in Audacity: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/onlinehelp-1.2/track_audio.htm

Lesson 2:

ď&#x20AC;¸

Importing Audio to Audacity

1.2.5 Now save you audio file. Click on File >>> Save Project As...

Lesson 2:

Importing Audio to Audacity



1.2.6 A Save Project As: Dialogue box appears. Locate the folder you created as per step 1.2 above. (@1) Save your file as myFirstAudio_work_import under source_files folder (create it) then (@2) click Save. I saved mine under a folder called source_files. If you completed this lesson, well done!!! If not, try again and also consult further sources as listed below and web links provided.



Canvas>AUD Z01E>Modules>Lesson 2...



zeieel.fezilemlungu@gmail.com

(+27) 0 72 9999 317

...............................................................................................................................................................



Canvas>AUD Z01E>Discussions>Lesson 2...

Lesson 3: Recording audio on Audacity | http://manual.audacityteam.org/o/man/tutorial_your_first_recording.html

WHAT TO DO BEFORE START RECORDING AUDIO 

   

If neccessary, write and read out to yourself what you want to record before recording. Or better, have someone reading out to you o Be short, accurate, simple and clear so your audio recording can be understood on the first play, thus no need for replay. o Write to be heard not read.  No abbreviations, lots of numbers, unfamiliar names and anything else that cannot be easily understood by hearing it. o Be relevant to what you want learned Make sure you have both hardware and software ready for recording Write the way people talk Write visually. Appeal not only to sense of hearing but touch, smell and taste as well Avoid long pauses in your recordings (see Lesson 3on how to remove them)

For more information go to;  Book: Writing for Audio Recording: Writing for Multimedia and the Web by Timothy Garrand. Second Edition. Published by Focal Press. 2001, page 19-20  Website; Recording Audio: http://www.jiscdigitalmedia.ac.uk/guide/top-tips-forrecording-audio  Website; Mixing Audio: http://www.jiscdigitalmedia.ac.uk/guide/basic-audio-mixing  Website: Ho to record voice-overs: http://www.jiscdigitalmedia.ac.uk/guide/recording-audio-voiceovers-for-teachingand-learning-materials

Lesson 3: Recording audio on Audacity | http://manual.audacityteam.org/o/man/tutorial_your_first_recording.html

1.2.7

Computer Hardware requirements to record audio. http://manual.audacityteam.org/o/man/tutorial_connecting_a_microphone.html

Microphone

Recording jack

Listening jack

Figure 1. Equpment required for recording audio

Slot for recording jack jack

Slot for listening jack jack All jacks plugged inside their slots

Lesson 3: Recording audio on Audacity | http://manual.audacityteam.org/o/man/tutorial_your_first_recording.html

1.2.7.1

To record audio in Audacity, first prepare the hardware requirements as shown Figure 1 (p10).  Microphone is working and cables are not cluttered and entangled with each other  No background noise and interference, for an example, other people talking, walking, or opening doors Make sure you have headphones (with a microphone) for recording, as per above A The microphone must have a recording jack (pink piece at B) ...and a listening jack (black piece at C) Put the recording jack on its slot at D. See label and also look where the left yellow arrow is pointing, there is a small microphone icon, this shows that the slot above it is for plugging the recording jack Put the listening jack on its slot at D. See label and also look where the right yellow arrow is pointing, there is a small headpiece icon, this shows that the slot above it is for plugging the listening jack When this has been done correctly, it will appear as per the image at E. Look at the image below to see how a user looks when they had the headphones plugged in correctly and ready for recording. Open Audacity or start a new file by going File >>> New

1.2.7.2 1.2.7.3 1.2.7.4 1.2.7.5

1.2.7.6

1.2.7.6 1.2.7.7 1.2.7.8

Figure 2. A person with headphones plugged-in and ready to record.

>>> demos >>> RecordingHardware.mp4  >>> demos >>> How_to_Set_it_Up.mp4 ..................................................................................... (@1) Headphones nicely fit on the head. (@2) Recording microphone  positioned correctly. Recording and playing jacks plugged-in in their 3

slots.

Lesson 3:



Recording audio on Audacity | http://manual.audacityteam.org/o/man/tutorial_your_first_recording.html

1.2.8 (@1) Click on the Record button (see red arrow). Start speaking on your microphone and an audio track with waveform structure will start appearing as you speak. Say something like, “this is my first, edit this part, audio recording’’. After this, (@2) click on Stop button to stop the recording.

Lesson 3:

Recording audio on Audacity | http://manual.audacityteam.org/o/man/tutorial_your_first_recording.html

The recorded audio appears and forms an audio track in Audacity as you speak on your microphone.



1.2.9 (@1) Click on Play button to replay your recording. Save your audio recording as MyFirstAudio_work_record under source_files folder. If you completed this lesson, well done!!! If not, try again and also consult further sources as listed below and web links provided.



Canvas>AUD Z01E>Modules>Lesson 3...



zeieel.fezilemlungu@gmail.com

(+27) 0 72 9999 317

..................................................................................................................................................................................................................................



Canvas>AUD Z01E>Discussions>Lesson 3...