Throughout the last decade, podcasts have become increasingly mainstreamed for all kinds of listeners. As the genres and audiences for this medium expand, you may want to take a stab at creating one of your own. In this project, you will start with the basics by creating a short audio story about any topic of your choosing.
You must accumulate up to 30 points for this playlist. There are some MUST DO activities that you must complete before advancing in the playlist. The assessments in Stage 1 and Stage 2 will provide evidence that you viewed a resource on the playlist and you will be awarded the designated amount of points for that resource. Be sure to track all your points and the due dates. Extra points earned will be counted as extra credit.
1. Listen: Losing Language by WNYC Radio Rookies (7:00) (2 points)
2. Listen: Walking Together by The Moth (3:11) (2 points)
3. Listen: You Would Always Have My Back by StoryCorps (2:57) (2 points)
4. Listen: Who’s a Smart Dog by Scientific American (3:03) (2 points)
5. Read: Starting Your Podcast: A Guide for Students (2 points)
MUST DO 6. Complete: Microsoft Form: Stage 1 Prepare Assessment/Check In
7. Play with your Voice Recorder app. (3 points)
As you explore how it captures and plays back different sounds, consider how the audio format is different than other media types. How can you harness the strengths of this format and reduce the impact of its limitations?
Do you need more information on how to use the Voice Recorder app? If so:
Watch: Voice Recorder Tutorial
8. Practice your interviewing skills with the project What Makes You Happy? (3 points)
Do you need more information on how to conduct an interview? If so:
Listen: Interview Example
9. Practice constructing a story by creating an outline or storyboard. How do you think creating a story with only audio would be different from static text, images, and/or video content? (3 points)
Do you want a template to create a storyboard? If so:
View: Storyboard Templates
Storyboard Template printouts are located on our classroom's worktable, if you prefer to use paper and pen.
10. View: Audacity Tutorial: Editing an Existing Audio File (3 points)
11. View: Audacity Tutorial: Mixing a Narration with Background Music (3 points)
Do you want to learn more about Audacity? If so:
View links from item #10 or #11 and navigate to other tutorials that peak your interest!
MUST DO 12. Complete: Microsoft Form: Stage 2 Practice Assessment/Check In
With your group, create a short audio story that runs for five minutes or less. Use the steps below as a guide for your process.
13. Complete the Sound of Story document. Each group will collaborate on one file. Turn this file in on our Microsoft Team in the channel Sound of Story. (3 points)
MUST DO 14. Conference with your teacher to review your project and receive feedback. (3 points)
15. Prepare: Use the checklist for recording sounds to prepare for your recording. Checklist worksheets are available on our classroom worktable.
16. Record: With your group, use the Voice Recorder app to capture audio for your story. (3 points)
17. Mix the audio: With your group, use Audacity to create your final product. (3 points)
Do you need more information on mixing audio stories? If so:
Read: How to mix: 8 steps to master the art of mixing audio stories
Read: The producer's handbook to mixing audio stories
MUST DO 18. Share: Export your finished piece to a file format you can share with others and post on our Microsoft Team in the channel: Sound of Story. (3 points)
19. Reflect: Choose an option below to complete your reflection: (3 points)
1. Complete the Word document: Sound of Story Reflection and share it with your teacher.
2. If you prefer to use pen and paper, complete the worksheet print out, which is located on our classroom’s worktable.
3. Create a FlipGrid video response. Code:c5206fda
20. Listen to each story posted in our Microsoft Team in the Sound of Story channel.
This playlist is a modification of the Sound of Story project produced by Digital Promise Global, with thanks to the Open Educational Resources listed throughout this guide. Distributed to Learning Studios schools as part of HP, Inc. and Microsoft’s Reinvent the Classroom.
Reference
Digital Promise Global. (n.d.). The Sound of Story. Retrieved on July 11, 2019 from https://global.digitalpromise.org/global_project/the-sound-of-story/