I just started a new project in my fifth grade classroom. One group of students was given a list of spelling/ vocabulary words for a future week. They were given the assignment of recording the correct spelling, definition, part of speech, using it in a sentence and the word in Arabic (which all of my children speak or are learning). The finished recording will at first be burned to cds for students to listen to in class or borrow. Eventually I may have the recordings made into a podcast available for downloading. This in someways will depend on my students home computer situations.

Monday: It was interesting today watching the students work at finding the definitions and asking our para professional for translating help.

Wednesday: They started recording today. I think they enjoyed recording the introduction. Tomorrow is a short day so they’ll start recording their individual pieces.

Thursday: They finished recording all of their spelling words… one word at a time. Since I’m relatively new to sound editing, I’ll have to try and see what I can make of it. There are some minor mistakes to fix.

Friday: Downloaded some Podsafe music to add to the intro. It took a little while getting used to Audacity. Is there an easier editor for students to use?

The second week went much smoother. The students learned to leave a bit of space between words and we added a new feature, the question of the week. We will soon record an intro for that segment.

Groups will alternate so that all students get a chance to participate.

So what do you think?

UPDATE: I continue with this project and I hope to expand it to include the students creating their own podcasts.