Audio Storybook
October 6, 2009

Objective:
Become familiar with the workings of digital audio editing.

Learning Outcomes:
As a result of the lecture, demonstration, and lab practice regarding image manipulation, students should be able to:

• Be able to set up a basic audio recording session.
• Become familiar with audio file types.
• Learn a basic digital audio editor like Audacity.

Coursework Procedure:
I would like you to read a children's story book into a computer or other digital recording device. Take the raw audio and edit out any mistakes, repeats, throat-clearing, ums and ahs out. Additionally, I would like you to use a musical intro at the beginning and incorporate sound effects. If you can't acquire a musical intor, use one of the intros provided during the in-class audio editing exercise. I have also created a list of free audio sites to help you find music and sound effects.

You will need to use a computer with Audacity installed. While the portable version is great for working off a USB flash drive, it is actually better to use the latest beta version of the software and install it directly on your computer. We discovered in class that the beta version (not available as a portable app) is easier to split audio with and offers more and better tools.

When you have finished your edit, export your project to either .mp3 or .ogg (Ogg Vorbis) format. Since Audacity does not come with the LAME library installed (required to export to .mp3 format), and you may not wish to bother with installing LAME or don't understand how to do it, feel free to export to the Ogg Vorbis format (.ogg) which works in Audacity without any additional configuration.

Assignment Due:
To get credit for this assignment, you will need to provide your finished audio edit to me either burned to a CD or bring to class on a flash drive to transfer to my computer (the file size may be too large to email), or email to me exported as an .mp3 or Ogg Vorbis (.ogg). You must complete your audio storytelling by Tuesday, October 13, 2009. (NOTE: Do NOT email the Audacity file, which has the .aup extention).