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Month: March 2025

EDDL 5131 – Record Audio

Activity 3, 4, 5, 6, 7

Technology for Recording: Soundtrap 

Purpose of recording: Introduction to the start of a mystery audio story that will be part of an audio book presentation

Recording 1: First voice recording and addition of two sound bites (clicking clock, and scary laugh)

Recording 2: Once I listened to my voice I did not want the echo (reverb) and did another one with Clean sound

 

 

Recording 3:  In this version I created a layered sounds with the addition of the wind

 

 

Recording 4: In this version I was able to clean up sections, change fade in and out of sounds for impact, and change the volume of each sound to ensure my voice is the main element to make a final recording that I really liked for my introduction.

 

Overview:  Soundtrap is a tool I am familiar with, both personally and professionally, as it has allowed me to create meaningful audio projects in different aspects of my life thus I did not have challenges while working creating my initial voice recording. I remembered that it was important to ensure the microphone was set to clean or there would be an echo in my voice which I did not want for this project. I was also aware of the process of how to edit sound clips, move sound bites, and download sounds to MP3 formats which were all required for this project. 

 

VIDEO LINK – Activity 7.

 

I have embedded my audio, combined with visual created with creative commons license, and then added in video. For this activity, I also added in the transcription fuction for students who may need for accessibility. I was also able to make subtitles accessible on you tube which was very helpful.  The following is the transcript for the video.

HOST (with a smooth, foreboding tone):
The clock strikes twelve, and the veil between our world and the unknown grows thin. Shadows come alive, secrets stir from their slumber, and whispers weave a tale of intrigue, suspense… and the supernatural. Tonight, dear listeners, we invite you on a journey into the heart of the uncanny. Welcome to… The Midnight Hour.

EDDL 5131 – Source Audio for Educational Use

Activity 2: Source Audio for Educational Use

Source: Free Sound https://freesound.org/ 

 

Learning Outcome: At the end of this unit the students will have successfully incorporated new technology and audio recording equipment which aligns with the development of digital literacy skills.

 

Activity: Students will be looking for sounds to be added in to use as sound bites in an audio book recording that they are developing.  

 

Reflection: Students will access the Creative Commons site to find click sound clips that align with the mood of a mystery genre audiobook they will be creating. This site is user-friendly, offering a wide range of sounds in various time lengths, making it easy for students to find the perfect audio clips. The variety of options eliminates the need for extensive editing before use. Referring to this week’s reading, the selected sound bites reflect the concept that “sound bites are providing information in an auditory format that the user must interpret and associate with mental images based on the sounds” (Carter, 2012, p. 55), such as the ticking of a clock, the howling wind, or an eerie laugh. Since this activity is focused primarily on audio, it’s crucial that the chosen sounds are intentional and purposeful in creating the desired mood and atmosphere. There is also an option to use these sound bites as environmental soundscape (Carter, 2012, p. 57) whereas the sounds can be layered and interpreted in many different levels throughout the presentation of the story. 

 

Sound: Clicking Clock 

Licence agreement: Ticking Clock 05 Sec.wav by MATRIXXX_ — https://freesound.org/s/485407/ — License: Creative Commons 0 

 

Sound: Spooky Laugh 

Licence agreement: Scary Laugh 2 by SergeQuadrado — https://freesound.org/s/654522/ — License: Attribution NonCommercial 4.0 

 

Reference

 

Carter, C. W. (2012, October 26). Instructional audio guidelines: Four design principles to consider for every instructional audio design effort. Techtrends: Linking Research & Practice to Improve Learning, 56(6), 54–58.

https://ezproxy.tru.ca/login?url=https://search.ebscohost.com/login.aspx?direct=true&db=a9h&AN=82763725&site=eds-live&scope=site

 

Freesound. (n.d.). Freesound: Collaborative database of creative commons licensed sounds. Freesound. Retrieved February 12, 2025, from https://freesound.org/

 

EDDL 5131 – Assignment 2 Audio Book Lesson

To see the project lesson plan for students please go to this link.  I have created the lesson to be in three distinct sections where they will work on the story first, then the visuals, then the audio.  Assignment_ Creating an Audio Book

 

Lesson Plan – Creating an Audio Book

Lesson Plan: Creating an Audiobook Using Technology

Grade Level: 7
Subject: Language Arts & Digital Literacy
Duration: 4-6 weeks (depending on class schedule)

Student Demographic & Learning Context

This project is designed for a diverse group of Grade 7 students with varying literacy levels and digital proficiency. The class includes students with different learning needs, including English Language Learners (ELLs) and students with Individualized Education Plans (IEPs). The learning environment emphasizes collaboration, creativity, and critical thinking, integrating technology to enhance engagement. The project aligns with curriculum goals in language arts, digital literacy, and creative expression.

Learning Outcomes

By the end of this project, students will:

  • Students will use digital tools to enhance storytelling by creating an immersive mood through sound, narration, music, pacing, and visuals.
  • Students will effectively combine mixed media (text, audio, and visual) to create a cohesive and engaging multimedia experience.
  • Students will demonstrate understanding of copyright laws and ethical digital media use.

Assessment 

Digital literacy is the central focus of the assessment because students in this project navigate multiple technological tools to create a cohesive and engaging audiobook. The reason this is the focus is because as technology becomes increasingly integrated into education and professional fields, developing proficiency with digital platforms to enhance students’ ability to communicate, collaborate, and think critically is becoming more critical.

This is a long term project with multiple steps.  Each step will focus on specific objectives for learning and assessment. This rubric prioritizes skills such as the effective use of digital tools, ethical digital use, and multimedia integration to ensure students gain practical experience in digital content creation while reinforcing their literacy and storytelling abilities.

Criteria Excellent 4 Proficient 3 Developing 2 Beginning 1 Missing 0
Digital tools Digital tools are skillfully used to create a compelling mood that enhances the storytelling. Sound effects,narration, music, pacing, and visuals work seamlessly to evoke emotions and immerse the audience. Digital tools are effectively used to establish mood, with appropriate sound effects,narration, music, and visuals. Some elements could be refined for a more immersive experience. Digital tools contribute to mood but are used inconsistently or lack strong impact. Some choices may not fully align with the intended emotional tone of the story. Minimal or ineffective use of digital tools to enhance mood. Sound, visuals, and pacing do not contribute meaningfully to the storytelling experience. No attempt to use digital tools to establish mood, or they are entirely absent from the project.
Mixed Media  Effectively integrates multiple forms of media (text, audio, visual) with advanced skill Uses a variety of multiple forms of media (text, audio, visual) with digital proficiency. Uses multiple media forms with some cohesion but requires additional support and direction.  Struggles to integrate multiple forms of media effectively and has great difficulty with digital tools.  No attempt to use multiple forms of media for the project. 
Copyright and ethical Use Consistently applies copyright and ethical considerations in all aspects of the project Mostly adheres to copyright guidelines and ethical use of digital content Occasionally follows copyright guidelines and ethical use of digital content Frequently violates copyright guidelines and ethical use of digital content No attempt to use copy right guidelines and ethical use of digital content. 

 

Overview of Learning Preceding Unit

Prior to this project, students will have completed:

  • A unit on storytelling elements (plot, character, setting, dialogue, theme).
  • An introduction to copyright and ethical digital content usage.
  • Basic instruction on using digital tools such as Google Slides and Soundtrap.
  • Practice activities on using AI for brainstorming and drafting radio shows.