These tutorials provide step-by-step training for teachers on how to record and edit audio files using free software Audacity and an inexpensive USB microphone.

Recording audio in languages lessons is an effective way of rehearsing and peer assessing spoken work, raising pupils’ confidence and improving pronunciation.This tutorial is designed to show teachers how easy it is to produce good quality recordings and save them as mp3 files as evidence of this work.

Please note that while there are different types of microphone available for recording audio, in the opinion of the tutorial author, a USB 'plug and play' microphone is the easiest to use because it doesn't require any configuring with the computer's sound card and produces great results every time.

Before you start
To understand more about recording sound and how it can enhance language teaching and learning, you may wish to read the 14-19 page on digital audio.

What does the training consist of and how long will it take me?

• There are nine 2-4 minute video tutorials. These tutorials offer step-by step guidance on how to record digital audio. Each tutorial is accompanied by a PDF transcript which can be printed out.
• It is recommended that the tutorials are viewed in order and that colleagues copy the instructions carefully. They can be used in a group or by individuals working independently.
• The whole module will take between two and three hours and by the end of the module, the teacher should be confident they can make good quality recordings in their school or college.

Index of tutorials

1) Installing Audacity
2) Installing the LAME encoder
3) Selecting a standard microphone
4) Selecting a USB microphone
5) Recording narration
6) Trimming and editing your audio
7) Adding music
8) Further editing tips
9) Exporting your recording as mp3

Additional reading and resources
Other areas of the 14-19 website include:

• Case studies of schools which have been successful in using digital audio and podcasting to enhance language learning
• Further video tutorials on creating a speaking avatar or Voki and publishing it online.

The following links give further information about how digital audio can be used effectively in lessons:

• Using audio creatively in the MFL classroom
• Podcasting in five easy steps
• Learning and Teaching Scotland Podcasting tutorials
• Podcasting and language skills (Please note this article was written in 2007 and the Podomatic interface has changed. Consider also using Podbean or Posterous as other sites that can host digital audio for free).
• "The Hows and Whys of Podcasting"

What will I gain from this training?

You will be invited to share recordings you have made for consideration in the section of our website showcasing good examples of the use of digital audio.