Creating a Podcast
When you are ready to begin recording, log on to the computer, and:
1) Go to Start > Control Panel > Sounds and Audio Devices. If “Mute” is checked, uncheck it.
2) Plug your headset in to the USB port, and wait for it to be recognized with „ding‟ sound.
3) Go to Start > Programs > Audacity.
4) Now record a test track to make sure that the volume is correct.
a. Click on the button with the red circle on the top to begin recording. The pause button allows you
to stop /start without laying a new track. You must unpause to continue recording. When you are
done, press the yellow square button again to stop. To play it back, press the green arrow.
b. Wavelengths will reflect if you are recording. Adjust the volume using the microphone slide ruler
at the top, and test it again to ensure you have correct audio levels.
c. Delete your test rack by clicking on the “x” all the way on the left next to the words “Audio
Track.”
5) Record your real track as many times as you need to until you are comfortable with the product but
remember it takes time to finalize, export and submit file.
To include music (optional - if you have time):
1) Minimize (but do not exit out of) Audacity.
2) Double click on the Destiny icon on your desktop (or in the Shortcuts folder).
3) Click on “Music Clips – IRC” under the “Teacher Resources” heading on the right.
4) Click on the SoundzAbound link in the center of the page.
5) Browse through the MP3 and WAV folders to find a piece of music that you like. If there is more
than one file with the same name, each music clip will be of a different length. Pick the length that
suits your voice recording. You may want the music to start a little before your words, and you may
want it to last a little longer.
6) Right-click on your selected music file, and “Copy.” “Paste” it to your desktop.
7) Maximize Audacity.
8) On the top toolbar, click on Project > Import Audio.
9) Browse to the desktop to locate the audio file you pasted, and insert it. The new music track will open
below your voice recording.
To edit your podcast:
1) Press the Play button to hear your creation. To hear your words, you may need to reduce the volume
of the music. Use the envelope tool to customize the volume of each track. This is also how
you can customize fade-ins and fade-outs.
2) To Move your voice track over (so that the music will begin before your voice recording), highlight
the track you want to move. Click on the time shift tool , and drag the clip to another area on
the same track.
To Export Your File as an MP3 (Saving to Your SharePoint Site)
1) Go to File > Export as MP3.
2) Rename your file under File Name.
3) Pull down in the “Save In” box at the top, and navigate to the Current Student Workspace (your
SharePoint site).
4) (A caution message concerning „LAME” may come up. If so, you will need to click “Yes.” Navigate
to the “Local Disk C:” drive > Program Files > Audacity > Plug-Ins > Lame.)
5) When the Edit box comes up, click OK.
6) Your file will be saved to your SharePoint account.
Uploading the Podcast to the Class SharePoint Site
1. Open Internet Explorer. The FC home page will come up.
2. On the Quick Links pull-down menu (lower-left), select SharePoint.
3. Click on “Instructional Login.”
4. Click on “My Site” in the center.
5. Link to your English 12 class in the right column.
6. When you class SharePoint site opens, you will see an “Add New Item” link on the right. Click on it.
7. Click on the “Attach Item” button, and browse to your Current Student Workspace to find your
podcast file. Double-click on it
8. Click the “Save and Close” button.
9. Your podcast file will now appear on the right of your class SharePoint site.