Recently, I taught two workshops using the open source audio editing software, Audacity through the Somersworth, NH School District. @brophycat (AKA Cathy Brophy, a good friend and colleague) invited me to share my knowledge of the software with preK-12 teachers and make it practical for their teaching. I was excited to do so!
The first thing I did was come up with my very first Glog to be used as a virtual handout. (Making a Glog was really a fun process and an online application I will use with my students this year!) Here it is:
In the workshop, we recorded, manipulate and mixed sounds. For an activity, participants uploaded music from FreePlayMusic.com, actively listened to it, came up with a story and started to record a voice over track.
We also had fun using one participant’s singing skills! Lorraine sang Row, Row, Row Your Boat four times, laying down four tracks, creating a round all by herself. Way to go, Lorraine!
Here is the completed round:
Row Row with Audacity by eliza_peterson
Needless to say, there was a lot of work, play and learning packed into our short 2 1/2 hours together. For more info about how to use Audacity in your teaching, please contact me. I love discussing the possibilities with this program!
EMP
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Elizabeth Peterson has devoted her life to education and to reaching out to other teachers who want to remain inspired. Mrs. Peterson teaches fourth grade in Amesbury, Massachusetts and is the host of www.theinspiredclassroom.com. She holds an M.Ed. in Education, “Arts and Learning” and is currently enrolled in a C.A.G.S. program through Plymouth State University with a focus in “Arts Leadership and Learning.” Elizabeth is author of Inspired by Listening, a teacher resource book that includes a method of music integration she has developed and implemented into her own teaching. She teaches workshops and courses on the integration of the arts into the curriculum, leads an arts integration PLC (PLaiC) and is adjunct faculty for PSU. Mrs. Peterson believes there is a love of active, integrated learning in all children and from their enthusiasm, teachers can shape great opportunities to learn. 
I love audacity! I ran a summer program for middle school students about making videos. The first thing we did was record on audacity. The kids were fantastic and loved the easy editing and effects. I find it easier to use and more flexible than garageband.