Description
Students will understand how to easily record and edit a podcast by practicing using the free software program Audacity.
(It is recommended that the instructor download and record a demo on Audacity before beginning)
Objectives
- Students will write a script for a podcast
- Students will understand how to use Audacity
- Student will record a practice podcast on Audacity
Common Core State Standards
| CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.4 | Present information, findings, and supporting evidence clearly, concisely, and logically such that listeners can follow the line of reasoning and the organization, development, substance, and style are appropriate to purpose, audience, and task. |
| CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.5 | Make strategic use of digital media (e.g., textual, graphical, audio, visual, and interactive elements) in presentations to enhance understanding of findings, reasoning, and evidence and to add interest. |
| CCSS.ELA-LITERACY.SL.9-10.6 | Adapt speech to a variety of contexts and tasks, demonstrating command of formal English when indicated or appropriate. |
Length
80 – 120 minutes (can assign parts for homework)
Resources
Completed Writing to Podcast Script from previous lesson – this will become the “script”
Handout: Audacity Guided Notes
Slideshow: Audacity Guided Notes
Electronic devices and headphones
Rubric: Recording a Practice Podcast
You can get Audacity here: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/
Lesson step-by-step
1. Warm Up — 10-15 minutes
Have students share their “scripts” with each other. Students should take turns reading aloud and use the rubric to offer feedback to their partners.
2. Direct Instruction — 10 minutes
Introduce students to Audacity (free software) using the slideshow to review steps for recording and editing. There is a guided handout to distribute to students if desired.
Show students the rubric for the podcast recording assignment and discuss the importance of using their voices dynamically while recording. Remind students that “reading” the script is not as effective as speaking naturally. Review each standard on the rubric to enforce expectations for the final practice project.
3. Application — 50-100 minutes, with additional homework time, if required
Instruct students to use computers or cell phones to record their script. They should record a different clip for each section on the Writing to Podcast Script assignment. If students record from their cell phones – have them “SHARE” clips via email or Google Drive and import them into their Audacity project. If technology is limited, students can work in small groups and take turns recording.
Once they are done, have students review the standards from the slideshow and edit the clips together. Have students export their final product and email it to the teacher.
Differentiation
Provide students with guided notes during presentation.
Students can be paired up to record and edit the podcast.
Students can be directed to record at home if technology is limited at school.
More technologically inclined students can be encouraged to download and add background audio music to the podcast.