How to create Audio Recordings for Assignments

Several language courses require you to submit a recorded answer. These help your instructor measure your ability to speak the language you are learning and provide proper feedback. You will need a program to help you make these recordings in a way that will work for both you and your instructor. Here are some options (be sure to check with your instructor for their preferred method):

• The sound recorder is located in the accessories folder of your computer.
  • Most computers have built-in sound recording software.
    
  • You may need to plug in a microphone, although most computers have a built-in microphone as well.
    
  • Press start.
    
  • Go to All Programs
    
  • Then choose Accessories
    
  • Click Sound Recorder.
    
  • Save the recording to a designated folder or on your desktop (otherwise, it might be hard to find).
    
  • You may need to consult your computer’s handbook or a local IT specialist for help with this option.
    
• Your smartphone sound recorder
  • Some instructors suggest that this is the easiest method.
  • You can email the completed recording to yourself.
    
  • Then, upload the file to the course.
    
• AudioPal
  • No download required
    
  • The website link to the audio is provided, which will work across all platforms
    
  • Warning: since this is web-based, there is no guarantee that your files will be maintained or available when you need them.
    
  • Instructions in Course:
    

• 
  
  

• Garage Band
  • Mac only
    
• Audacity®
  • Downloads available for Windows and Mac platforms
    
  • Export as .WAV, .MP3, or .Ogg
    
  • Documentation and tutorials
    
  • How to Install Audacity and the LAME MP3 Encoder- YouTube video
    • https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=jO5NDLUuZOI
      

Audacity is the primary method suggested by most course creators, but you MUST download the LAME plugin. You may not see a confirmation that it has been downloaded, but it will download.http://audacity.sourceforge.net/help/faq?s=install&item=lame-mp3

1. Go to the link above, follow the instructions there.
   
2. Then, when you finish, press EXPORT instead of SAVE AS to change to MP3.
3. Be sure to save it in your designated Sevenstar folder or on your desktop so that you can find it easily.
   

Using Mac?

To convert a song’s file format:

1. Open iTunes Preferences.
   
2. Windows: Choose Edit > Preferences.
   
3. Mac: Choose iTunes > Preferences.
   
4. Click the General button, then click the Importing Settings button in the second section of the window.
   
5. From the Import Using pop-up menu, choose the encoding format you want to convert the song to, then click OK to save the settings.
   
6. Select one or more songs in your library, then from the Advanced menu, choose one of the following (The menu item changes to show what’s selected in your Importing preferences):
   

• Create MP3 version
  
• Create AAC version
  
• Create AIFF version
  
• Create a WAV version
  
• Create an Apple Lossless version
  

The highlighted forms are the most acceptable. The MP3 is best because it is smaller, but the WAV will also work. Before you convert your file, you will need to drag it to the iTunes window or open it in iTunes. It will open as a GarageBand file, and then you can follow the steps above.