Audio for eLearning

The topic of this week is audio for eLearning. As for the activity, I wrote a voice-over script and tried to write a voice description for the visual information which covers the WCAG 2.1 AA level. I recorded and edited the voice-over and produced mp3 files, focusing on learning about audio engineering, a field I'm not familiar with at all.

Here are key items that explain WCAG 2.1 conformance levels specifically for audio (W3C, 2018).

Audio control: If audio plays automatically for more than 3 seconds, give learners a way to pause, stop, or control the volume. The computer audio controls do not count—learners need to be able to control the course audio independently. WCAG 1.4.2 Audio Control - Level A

Transcripts for audio-only content: The transcript describes everything in the audio track—including dialogue, the identities of the speakers, and sound effects. WCAG 1.2.1 Audio-Only and Video-Only (Prerecorded) - Level A

Low or no background audio: Background sounds must be quiet enough for users with hearing disabilities to separate the narration from the background audio. You can either: 1) Not use background audio, 2) Allow users to turn off background audio, or 3) Make background audio four times quieter (20 decibels lower) than the narration.  WCAG 1.4.7 Low or No Background Audio - Level AAA

Process

1. Determine which part of the course to develop into a video

2. Create a script template

3. Write scripts for voice-over and audio description

4. Record voice-over

5. Record audio description

6. Edit the voice-over and audio description

7. Format the audio files as mp3

8. Design a visual podcast cover

9. Upload the voice-over file on SoundCloud

Challenges

I have much experience in neither audio engineering nor narration. I knew the quality of voiceover for the videos in the past weeks was not good, and this week, I tried to learn the basics of audio. There are a number of factors that cause muffling sound in voice-over. Initially, I suspected the microphone quality, but some web research revealed there is much more than equipment. The factors seem to narrow down to... 

1. Performance - Imagine speaking to a good friend. Don't read; talk with a smile.

2. Environment - Set up a DIY studio in a closet full of clothes.

3. Equipment - Know the difference between a condenser and a dynamic microphone.

4. Editing - Get familiar with the editing tools. Audacity provides basics. Learn Adobe Audition for more control.

5. Script Writing - Practice in progress.

Resources about audio engineering:

• How to voiceover like a pro

• What dB should vocals be recorded at and why?

Solution

I set up a DIY recording studio in my closet, letting me stand 6-8" away from the mic. My mic is a condenser that picks up sounds from the side, so I chose the quietest time to record. I learned basic post-production edits, such as silencing noises and compressing. 

In the end

I know there are many more things to consider about creating audio for eLearning, for example, providing language options for learners whose native language isn't English. There are language settings on YouTube, and it's possible to upload audio and captions on YouTube to auto-translate the captions into the preferred language or use an auto-transcribe site/app to translate audio to text for more accuracy. But I don't know if the audio file in English can be auto-translated directly through some plugin yet. A workaround I came across is turning on the Google Translate and PC microphone and playing the audio file. Then Google Translate auto-transcribes to a selected language, and the text can be played as audio.