Editing audio
Lesson details
Learning outcome
I can edit and combine tracks to make new audio.
Key learning points
- A single recording of sound is referred to as a track.
- Audio editing software displays tracks as separate waveforms.
- Trimming an audio waveform allows parts of it to be removed.
- The alignment of tracks can be changed so they play at different times.
Keywords
Track - a single recording of sound
Waveform - a graphical representation of audio
Trim - to remove parts of an audio waveform
Align - to change the time at which an audio track starts playing
Common misconception
Audio recordings need to be done all at the same time in one go.
Audio editing software lets you combine and edit any number of audio tracks. This allows separate smaller recordings to be combined in any order required.
Teacher tip
Mistakes will happen! Make sure pupils can see how you can undo mistakes. This should be modelled so that they understand that this is a part of the editing process.
Equipment
Pupils need access to audio editing software and hardware that can be used play and record audio. Examples in this lesson use Audacity https://oak.link/audacity
Licence
Lesson video
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Prior knowledge starter quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What term is used to describe sound that has been recorded on a digital device?
Q2.What type of device is a microphone?
Q3.What is the primary function of speakers?
Q4.What does audio software allow you to do?
Q5.Arrange the steps to record and play back audio.
Q6.What is the difference between speakers and headphones?
Assessment exit quiz
6 Questions
Q1.What is a single recording of sound called?
Q2.What is the graphical representation of audio called?
Q3.What is the benefit of combining separate recordings?
Q4.Match the action to its purpose:
removes unwanted sections of audio
adjusts the timing of tracks
corrects mistakes during editing
creates new audio from separate recordings
Q5.Put these actions in the correct order for combining recordings.
Q6.What happens when you align two tracks?
To help you plan your 4 computing lesson on: Editing audio, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs...
To help you plan your 4 computing lesson on: Editing audio, download all teaching resources for free and adapt to suit your pupils' needs.
The starter quiz will activate and check your pupils' prior knowledge, with versions available both with and without answers in PDF format.
We use learning cycles to break down learning into key concepts or ideas linked to the learning outcome. Each learning cycle features explanations with checks for understanding and practice tasks with feedback. All of this is found in our slide decks, ready for you to download and edit. The practice tasks are also available as printable worksheets and some lessons have additional materials with extra material you might need for teaching the lesson.
The assessment exit quiz will test your pupils' understanding of the key learning points.
Our video is a tool for planning, showing how other teachers might teach the lesson, offering helpful tips, modelled explanations and inspiration for your own delivery in the classroom. Plus, you can set it as homework or revision for pupils and keep their learning on track by sharing an online pupil version of this lesson.
Explore more key stage 2 computing lessons from the Audio production unit, dive into the full primary computing curriculum, or learn more about lesson planning.