Garageband(available on iOS Apple products) and Audacity(available for Windows and Mac) are two applications that can be used by students or by educators to record and create audio works. These typically get their claim to fame as music platforms, but they can be used in a multitude of ways within the classroom. From podcasts to poetry to recording growth, these tools can be used for/by varying skill levels, across various devices and your students are likely familiar with them! Each has their strengths and weaknesses, but these programs give users the option to record, edit and save audio files. An example of how either of these apps could be used for early elementary students is to record them reading out loud at various times throughout the year so you and each student are able to reflect on and compare their progress. Junior high and high school students can engage in creating original works, editing and collaborating on projects. Check out a few ways to use Garageband here and Audacity here.
Itunes and Soundcloud are two apps that can be used to upload and share audio files. First and foremost, these are platforms many use to listen music, create playlists, and share music with friends. User profiles can be developed and many junior high and high school student use these daily to stream music. However, they can also be used to produce and share audio files created in the tools listed above. One of my personal favorite things about soundcloud is that users can add feedback to audio recordings at any moment of the recording, this can be especially helpful in providing students with feedback or requiring them to comment on an audio file provided for a lesson. Here is a very helpful guide if you are unfamiliar with soundcloud.
Looking for additional ideas of how to use soundcloud? Click here!
Want to learn more about how to edit on Audacity? Check this out!
More Garageband resources HERE!
Overall, the above mentioned are just a few ways educators and students can interact with tech and one another to create, share and comment on audio works. The engagement and collaboration that can be enhanced through the interactions with and within the above platforms can truly enrich student and teacher learning, while catering to different learning styles, interests, and abilities.
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