Audio Recorder as a Literacy Support Tool

As part of the balanced literacy program here at ASFM, we are able to integrate technology in a manner that supports teachers and students across the literacy areas. The application, Audio Recorder, is available (in every teacher computer and in Lab 2 and Lab 4) for teachers and students from any generation for recording reading, writing and oral language samples in a variety of contexts. It provides an authentic opportunity to collect audio samples while engaging students in their own learning. Although the possibilities are numerous, we currently use these audio files for the following purposes: modeling, mini-lesson focus, strategy reflection, and self-assessment. Check here for details about Lab Bookings and Availability! This guide explains how to use Audio Recorder and Garage Band to record, edit and publish student work. Retell Here is an lesson plan for using the audio recorder for "retell" purposes. Running Records Here is a sample audio and accompanying text of a kinder student reading a level C text at end of year. This offers some opportunities to practice. Click here for the text. List to the audio here.
Overview	There are a variety of learning opportunities that can be utilized using this technology tool. This page is intended to detail how to use the application and the computer in order to *record, playback* and *save* student recordings.
Recording	At ASFM, all computers at the ELEM campus are equipped with an application called Audio Recorder. It is a simple-to-use audio recorder that allows you to record any audio sound within the vicinity of the computer. You can record students on your classroom computer or in the computer lab. Open Audio Recorder, a file will appear. Click on RECORD and begin the session. Click STOP to end the recording session. A window will appear requesting you to save the recording. Type in the desired name and click SAVE. See tips below. Note: There is no time limit to the recording. Pausing will not stop the recording.
Playback	Double-click on the file that is created by Audio Recorder to listen to it in Quicktime Player.
File Management	We suggest that you name each recording with student last name and date recorded to make filing them easier. Please talk with your computer teacher if you want to gather the audio files. There are ways to use electronic drop-boxes as collection points for these recordings. Please be aware that audio files are large in nature, so only save the most important pieces. Ensure that the Preferences in Audio Recorder are set to MP3 format to reduce file sizes by a factor of 1/10th.
Tips	In a classroom, you could have one student at a time doing recordings. In a computer lab, it is best to have every other student speaking at any given time to cut down on noise. With the use of headphones for each student, one group listens to themselves while the other group is speaking/recording.
Notes:	We opted not to use tape recorders b/c of the difficulty of easily finding one's place after playback. We opted not to use iPod with voice recorder attachment due to iTunes Library considerations as well as the expense of iPods.