About Enhanced Audio Files
Directions for viewing enhanced audio files
Enhanced audio files are one of the most efficient and effective formats for use on iTunes U.
Enhanced audio files are best suited for showing images (such as PowerPoint slides) in time with audio.
The benefits of enhanced audio files include:
- much smaller file size than video files (faster upload and download)
- chapter markers which allow for easy jumping to a specific location
- fully compatible with iTunes and iPods
- inclusion of web links
Some limitations of enhanced audio files:
- loss of PowerPoint custom animations and slide transitions
- no video capability
Creating enhanced audio files
An enhanced audio file naturally consists of two parts, the audio and the images.
Creating the audio
There are several options for creating and editing audio:
- Using a microphone on the computer:
- Record Narration in PowerPoint. In the SlideShow tab click Record Narration, check the box to "Link narrations in...". A .wav file will be created for the narration on each slide.
- Use Audacity. Audacity is a free recording and editing program.
- Use ProfCast (more info below).
- Using an iPod recorder. An iPod recorder is a device that can be connected to an iPod allowing it to record audio. iPod recorders are available to faculty as part of the Tech Loan Program. See the iPod page for more information.
Adding images
Again, there are several options for integrating images and producing the final file:
- Starting with a PowerPoint, the easist way to add images is ProfCast, which will convert slides to images files, record or integrate the audio, and produce the final file. ProfCast is currently only available for Macs and is available for faculty in the Tech Center.
- If you have a Mac but not ProfCast, you can use GarageBand but it will take longer. Instructions.
- Another option is called Slideshow Assembler. This program is a bit complicated but it works on Windows and it is free.
- To get higher quality images when saving slides as jpg or png files, first, modify the registry to increase the exported dpi to 300 (see http://support.microsoft.com/kb/827745/en-us), then, go to Page Setup in PowerPoint to set the output size (see
http://www.techsmith.com/learn/camtasia/5/indepth/saving-ppt-as-images.asp). For assistance with this process submit a help desk ticket or contact the Technology Trainer.
Training is available. Contact training@edison.edu. |
