HIST348: Peoples of Kansas

1.  For the digital narrative assignment, you should check out an easy-to-use audio recording program called Audacity that you can download for free.  It is available for both Macs and PCs.  You’ll save your file as an Audacity file (.aup file), and then when you are ready to add it to Movie Maker or iMovie you can export it as an .mp3 file, then import that file into your movie program.  Students in my other Kansas history course had a lot of success using this program.

2.  As you consider how you will record your voice over, there are a few options for locating a microphone.  The 4th floor Wescoe computer lab in the EGARC includes microphones and Audacity on those public computers.  Or, I have two microphones and you can make an appointment to come to my office and record your narrative there (students will not be able to take my mics home).  Another option is to purchase an inexpensive mic from Amazon.  With tax and shipping this one will cost just under $7.  The sound quality on this microphone is more than adequate for our assignment, but as with any mic, try not to touch it while you are recording because that will lead to shuffling and scratching sounds.

3.  To keep the recording process simple, practice reading your narrative aloud before you record.  You could also consider reading it to a friend.  The more you rehearse, the fewer times you will have to re-record your voice over.

4.  As you revise your script, pay attention to details.  The requirements for the assignment are not arbitrary rules; each one has a rationale behind it, and you’ll want to demonstrate that you can follow directions.  This is a skill that employers will look favorably upon when you begin your professional career.  Be particularly careful about including citations that are properly formatted and that refer to a specific page number; to not include accurate footnote citations (even for summary sections) is a form of plagiarism.