I was thinking after my last few posts about GarageBand and music technology. I then remembered JamStudio. It’s been a while since I last had a look and play. It’s a fun little program that is quite simple to use and may be useful for those who do not have access to a Mac. It’s good because people could use it to create backing music for slides or films. It’s free but requires an email account to join.
Then there is vozMe. I don’t know why I like this. Perhaps because it reminds me of Radiohead’s “Fitter, Happier” track. I was always a sucker for that cheap robotic voice sound. Basically you copy and paste text, choose a male or female voice and are then able to have the computer read it back. You may also obtain an mp3 of the ‘reading.’ May be great for ESL learners if you want them to sound like droids. But, it may also be a useful tool for reviewing notes and proofreading. Free and no email necessary.
I then discovered Vocaroo. Now this one is great. One button to click and record. My kindergarten students would be able to do it. Use your computer microphone to record presentations, interviews, readings etc. Stop recording and then click ‘download this message’ to get the mp3. A lot easier than using GarageBand or buying those expensive portable mics/recorders. Oh yeah, it’s also free and doesn’t even require email registration.
Grade 3s at my school will be creating sound effects and background music for a mime project they are currently undergoing. They will be using GarageBand ‘08 but…
GarageBand allows you to create music, podcasts etc. I also have a basic video and PDF tutorial on how to record voice/interviews under the Tutorials For Mac tab (located above) for the ‘08 version. You may also watch the video here via YouTube.
I don’t really like stuff put out by Microsoft (I know, I know, sorry), but is their new service ‘Songsmith’ going to be able to contribute to mashups (video above)? I have written about mash-ups before here.
Songsmith generates musical accompaniment to match a singer’s voice. Just choose a musical style, sing into your PC’s microphone, and Songsmith will create backing music for you. Then share your songs with your friends and family, post your songs online, or create your own music videos.
With it, you can add acapella versions and replace them with cheap Casio sounds instead. Yipee! Call me crazy or old fashioned but I think GarageBand is much better. (Songsmith examples below.)
What do you think? Just let me take out the cotton from my ears first. Haven’t you all been waiting for this? Ouch.
Recently, grade 1s at my school were inquiring about transportation. They have just finished this unit. The reason I am writing is because the teachers gave the students choice on how to present. This provided a much more interesting form for assessment and was an excellent vehicle for creativity. Students needed to examine and share what a transportation system needs and how it works etc., regardless of how they presented. Some chose plastercine models, some drew large illustrations, some drew their work via computer and some created slideshows within KidPix. Students were motivated and engaged during the tasks as it possessed a stronger connection to themselves and offered differentiation. When complete, students then planned a field trip to a local area and discussed how they could get there with the knowledge they gathered. Parents were also invited into the class to view the work.
Our grade 2s were examining retelling stories. Some chose to record audiobooks using GarageBand. The group below rewrote a popular story, recorded it and added sound effects. They then used the mp3 as the soundtrack for their shadow puppet performance. Watch below or click here. The point is, the teachers discussed the ideas and outcomes first, and then decided on the tools alongside the students. Make the technology fit you, instead of vice versa
I was thinking after my last few posts about GarageBand and music technology. I then remembered JamStudio. It’s been a while since I last had a look and play. It’s a fun little program that is quite simple to use and may be useful for those who do not have access to a Mac. It’s good because people could use it to create backing music for slides or films. It’s free but requires an email account to join.
Then there is vozMe. I don’t know why I like this. Perhaps because it reminds me of Radiohead’s “Fitter, Happier” track. I was always a sucker for that cheap robotic voice sound. Basically you copy and paste text, choose a male or female voice and are then able to have the computer read it back. You may also obtain an mp3 of the ‘reading.’ May be great for ESL learners if you want them to sound like droids. But, it may also be a useful tool for reviewing notes and proofreading. Free and no email necessary.
I then discovered Vocaroo. Now this one is great. One button to click and record. My kindergarten students would be able to do it. Use your computer microphone to record presentations, interviews, readings etc. Stop recording and then click ‘download this message’ to get the mp3. A lot easier than using GarageBand or buying those expensive portable mics/recorders. Oh yeah, it’s also free and doesn’t even require email registration.
