Desire2Learn 9.0
Best Practices for Using Audio in D2L
This document contains tips for using audio for Desire2Learn.
Overview
Audio files can be used to provide supplemental instructional material, explain complicated charts and graphs, or provide feedback for assignments. Some instructors record an introduction to identify themselves and personalize their course. Audio can also be useful for explaining a complicated visual concept. These types of audio files are often referred to as podcasts.
Simple audio files can be recorded in Microsoft Word to provide feedback within student assignments submitted as Word documents, much like the Track Changes or Insert Comments features. The other files you might want to record (introductions, explanations, presentations) will likely require a program such as Audacity (free and easy to use!) To get started, see Downloading Audacity and Audacity Basics.
Advantages
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Audio addresses different learning styles. Using audio is especially beneficial for auditory learners.
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Audio helps reduce overload in the visual channel of the brain by allowing all learners a break from text.
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Audio files can add character and personality to your course.
Considerations
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Learners with hearing disabilities may not be able to hear audio files. To accommodate people with hearing impairments, always make a transcript of the audio available. This is essential for compliance with accessibility laws under the Americans with Disabilities Act (ADA).
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If you are using Insert Voice feedback in Word, you will need to be aware of hearing impaired students in your course. Do not leave audio feedback on homework assignments for these students. Ask at the beginning of the term if any students prefer to receive written feedback. Other audio files must be accompanied by a transcript if the information is not posted elsewhere in the course.
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Size does matter! Smaller is better. Large files can cause downloading and streaming issues for students. Do not load anything larger than 10 MB into D2L.
Where Can Audio Files Be Applied in D2L?
News
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As an instructor you can record a brief overview of the course for your students to access when they first enter the course to acquaint them with both you and the course. Be sure to attach your transcript.
Content
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Complex visuals could be accompanied by an audio file and transcript explaining the concept.
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An audio file and transcript could accompany unit overviews or as a recap for a unit.
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Files can be embedded in an HTML document or posted as a direct link in Content. The audio transcript can also be linked.
Dropbox
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Audio files can be recorded by instructors as feedback in Microsoft Word's Insert Voice feature. See Audio Feedback for instructions.
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Students can download free audio recording software (Audacity) and create MP3 files to submit to dropbox as an assignment.
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To start using Audacity, see Downloading Audacity and Audacity Basics.
Discussions
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Students can download free audio recording software (Audacity) and create MP3 files to submit. If submitted through Discussions, the MP3 files can be shared with classmates. Accessibility needs to be considered if there are hearing impaired students in the course. At the very least, a transcript of the audio must be provided.
Course Home Page Widget
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Custom widgets can be created and added to the Course Home page featuring audio files.
Best Practices
Plan what you intend to say
Audio files must be accompanied by a transcript. This can be an advantage: having a script prepared will make your recording sound more professional and give you the chance to practice prior to recording. Of course, you do not want to sound as if you are reading directly from a script: practicing ahead of time will help you to sound more fluid and less mechanical. It is always best to have a plan for what you will say before hitting the record button.
Provide clear audio
We have all dealt with phone messages that sound very important but are indecipherable
because the person spoke too softly or too quickly. Be sure to speak clearly and slowly when recording.
Enunciate—your students will appreciate the extra effort. Record in a place
with minimal background noise where you will not be interrupted and use an echo-canceling microphone. Listen to your recording before posting it to Desire2Learn, making sure it is easy to understand.
Keep it short
The shorter an audio file, the better. If you are providing feedback in a Word document, you
will be limited to one minute per recording, and several recordings within one document could increase
the file size quite a bit. Plan accordingly and be mindful of the final file size. If you are unsure of how
long your recording should be, test it out, and listen to it—make sure every word is relevant. You can
always cut down your script and do a second recording.
