Today we started to work a bit more with Audacity. I gave my students a chance to practice using the microphones on their own. We talked about how to use the tool, and focused on their volume levels as they watched the screen. The levels that appear were a great visual for the kids to use as they worked through their lines. They knew when they should be quiet, and they could figure out if they should go back and rerecord a section if the levels didn’t match.
A great reason to use podcasting instead of video taping with readers theater is to really work on the tone and inflection in the readers voice. As we practice the plays the students are working on how to use their voices to relay the feelings of their characters. Since no one will be able to see their faces or their actions, they are really focused on how fluently they read.
Audacity is a simple but effective tool. After students record their plays we will take the podcast and place it on their Google sites for them to share with family and friends at home. Just the thought of people outside of the building being able to hear their plays has given the students a great authentic task. They are determined to work hard and produce the best plays possible. After they are more comfortable with the process I will have students write their own plays to produce.
We did not get a chance to record a final production this week, but by next week we will have several done. I am eager to share a final product soon.
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