Benefits of Digital Audio

The use of digital audio in the classroom offers more flexibility and convenience for both teachers and students. Listed below are some advantages of digital audio over cassettes and CD's.

1) Global audience potential
- Audio may be accessed by a global audience, increasing information distribution and student access. For student made audio, it increases student awareness of communication efficacy.

2) Easy to use
- digital audio files are easy to use, store and share.
- easier than cassettes to navigate to specific parts of the audio file.

3) Convenient classroom use
- Specific "listening centers" are not necessary since iPods or mp3 players can be brought to the students opposed to the students relocating to the cassette or CD player.
- can be used by many students at the same time with access to a set of mp3 players or iPods.

4) Increased accessibility
- audio files may be shared and copied electronically
- or may be posted online for either a specific group of people or everyone
- may be accessed at any time on iPod; does not require use of power outlet or cassette/CD player.


Example: Digital Audio in Special Education
Special education teachers can read upcoming tests, so that students may have access to narration.

- More convenient for students: can play and replay any question when needed.

- More convenient for teachers: teachers only have to read test questions once, then can distribute to a large number of students at the same time.


Marcia