J The Benefits of Audio Recording

Software

in Spanish Classrooms

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What is Audacity?

Audacity is an easy-to-use audio editor and recorder program

Record live audio and convert to a variety of sound files

Can cut, copy, mix, tune and splice sounds together

It’s free!

Benefits for All• Benefits:

Allows language learners to record, practice and listen to their pronunciation of Spanish

By having students listen to their own voices, the fear of speaking a different language (let alone in English) in public become more relaxed and comfortable/confident in their own skills.

Provides teachers with more resources and data to track progress of studentsA great tool for phonetic and phonological practice for students who need

more enrichment (as well as for those who need visual comparison and contrast between English and Spanish sounds)

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Application in the Classroom

• An activity that would be utilizing this program would be by students recording a summary of a story that they have read. This could be a home assignment or at school. Once a student has completed their recording, they would send it to the teacher to review. This activity would provide the student with several opportunities:

1. Students will be able to be more aware of their own pronunciation/phonological choices when speaking in Spanish

2. Students will be held more accountable for their speaking and listening practice

3. Students will be able to track progress of their speaking and listening skills (can listen to their first and then the most recent. This can be a great motivator)

4. Provides students practice speaking before their classmates and others

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Standards This Activity Fulfills

• Michigan World Language Standards and Benchmarks• 1.3.A.S.b Present a summary of a story including plot and characters or an event to

an audience

• 3.1.N.a Reinforce previously learned content knowledge through the target language

• Michigan Educational Technology Standards• 6-8.DC.5. create media-rich presentations on the appropriate and ethical use of

digital tools and resources

• 3-5.CT.2. use information and communication technology tools (e.g., calculators, probes, videos, DVDs, educational software) to collect, organize, and evaluate information to assist with solving problems

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Applicable to All!

• This program is practical for language learning and can be useful for all students learning a second language. • Students learn a second language like Spanish starting anywhere

between K-12

• Audacity is useful for all grade levels because it allows students to work on their speaking and listening skills

• Note: the younger the student, the more assistance would be needed for using program, but its simple format allows easy comprehension

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Check out Audacity!

Click here!

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By Eric Penrose