Cher Armstrong and I met over the weekend so that she could help me figure out the "how to's" when downloading 'Audacity,' getting my voice to record, etc. I have a lot of trouble with this sort of thing; I eventually sort out computer-related issues...it often takes me a huge amount of time, though. I was happy that I could direct most of my focus towards the creative side of the project.
I did not realize until very recently how much I love some of the language in Romeo and Juliet. My favorite part of the play is the 'balcony scene.' I love what Juliet is saying- and the words she uses to say it- in the passage I chose. I wish Cher and I had set aside more time to work on the recording; the timing of the bird chirping (although the scene takes place at night, I figured a few birds could be chirping) and the wind wasn't great. For my second sound effect I should have had Cher make scuffling or rustling sounds...to represent Romeo leaning over from his tree branch in order to kiss Juliet or grab her hand. I wish I'd saved a different recording because the one I submitted sounds extremely rushed.
I do think that this sort of thing is a great thing for students to hear. Still, I think a podcast for students to listen to is more significant when a novel or some other piece of prose is used. This is becasue I think it's good for students to experience someone making prose come alive....a lot of the dialogue in plays and narration in plays is already pretty full of life. I think students should be exposed to many different examples of people using thier imaginations to illuminate or invigorate pieces of prose...and I think students need as many opportunities to practice using their imagination skills as they can get, which is why I would like to assign a podcast to my future students. |