Today we will conduct an exercise in using Audacity. As you work, please check on and help your classmates if needed. Follow these steps:
Open Audacity. Help one another if needed.
Download these two sound clips.
http://altscholarship.com/digwriting/sites/default/files/2018-10/pencil1.wav
http://altscholarship.com/digwriting/sites/default/files/2018-10/pencil2.wav
One your own, but helping each other, bring the first clip "pencil1.wav" into Audacity (File > Import). Listen to the clip. Pick a short segment of the clip that you find interesting (aim for around 10 seconds of less. Cut the clip so that only that part remains. Make sure everyone completes this before moving on.
Save your file, noting its location.
Quickly jot down a short statement that shares some personal insight or experience related to the pencil. Add to that statement a phrase that transitions to larger issues--something like, but pencils connect us to so much more.
Use the record function in Audacity to add your statement after the introductory clip. Use the Time Shift tool to adjust the timing of the clips.
Next, bring the second clip into Audacity and identify another small segment of the audio. Cut the clip down to that segment. Sketch out a short statement that references a detail in the clip segment, and then makes a larger statement. Record the second statement and adjust its placement.
Save your file
Next, download, this file: http://altscholarship.com/makelit/sites/default/files/2019-02/no_train_today.mp3, bring it into audacity, and cut it to create a short intro and outro for the piece.
Finally, use the Envelope tool and the volume level adjustments to even things out. Do some final editing before moving on.
When finished, you will need to export the file (File > Export Audio). For now we will just export in WAV format. Once you have a file exported, use the Improv Audio posting type to upload your piece to our web site.
When you are finished, you can turn to working on the homework below.
For homework, if you haven't already, complete the activities above. (If you run into trouble, contact me for help).
Also, complete this reading and comment assignment.
If you have yet to post your topic, follow the instructions for 3-1 and do so right away.
You can also conduct research and begin drafting or thinking about the script for your podcast.
If you have time and are interested, you can explore some sound effects and start thinking about other sonic materials you can include. I recommend starting with the link at the bottom of this page:
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wikipedia:Free_sound_resources
You may also want to add some music. If so, I recommend starting with these resources: