An 8th grade history teacher discusses using MP3 players and digital audio in the classroom. He explains that podcasts and audio files can be created for free using a computer, microphone, and free audio editing software. Students can listen to review materials on MP3 players or have them burned to CDs. The teacher has had success using audio for debate recordings, oral histories, and alternative test formats. He encourages teachers to experiment with digital audio and have students create content.

1. Using MP3 Players and Digital Audio in the Classroom Eric Langhorst 8 th Grade American History Teacher South Valley Jr. High School Liberty, Missouri

2. www.speakingofhistory.blogspot.com October 15, 2007 post on blog This presentation is available online as a PDF

3. 8 th Grade American History at South Valley Jr. High in Liberty, Missouri Graduate Instructor at Park University teaching “Technology for the Classroom”

4. What would have George Washington had on his i-Pod during the Revolutionary War?

5. Podcast – an audio file that is made available through the Internet and can also be downloaded to a personal MP3 player Uses RSS to allow subscribers

6. 39,000+ unique visitors from 138 countries in past two years

8. Speaking of History Podcast / Blog Visitors August 2007 to October 2007

9. The good news a podcast can be created and produced for FREE

11. Microphones Suggest using a USB mic

12. Portable players i-River

13. Portable players i-Pod

14. Portable players Zune

15. Audacity – audio editing software – free, PC or Mac

16. Levelator – free program which levels volume in an audio file

17. South Valley Jr. High policy allows students to have MP3 players in classroom if teacher allows

18. StudyCasts – an audio review for upcoming test, can listen through the Internet or download to MP3 player Students without Internet or MP3 players can have a copy burned on CD

19. Donner Party Debate – record debate and send as attachment to experts for feedback

20. Oral History Projects – collecting stories of family members, veterans

21. Audio Versions of Test – saves time in reading tests repeatedly by special education teachers

22. Listen to the wide variety of Educational Podcasts: i-Tunes Educational Podcast Network

23. Be willing to experiment Ask your students how they would use audio content from your class Let your students create content

24. Eric Langhorst Contact Information: [email_address] 8 th Grade American History South Valley Jr. High Liberty, Missouri

25. Using MP3 Players and Digital Audio in the Classroom Eric Langhorst 8 th Grade American History Teacher South Valley Jr. High School Liberty, Missouri