Audio and video in teaching and learning

For October’s app review we would like to introduce an audio-streaming and sharing service called SoundCloud.

What is SoundCloud?

SoundCloud is a service for uploading your own audio files and finding those created by others. There is a strong social element with easy sharing and options to add comments to tracks.

You can browse what’s popular (‘Trending Music’ or ‘Trending Audio’) or search for what you are interested in.

When you have found the track you want you can ‘Like’ it, add it to a playlist,
download it (see below for downloading limits) and/or share it to Facebook, Twitter, Tumblr, Google+, Pinterest or by email.

Is it free?

Like most apps, SoundCloud has several levels of account. The free account limits you to a total of 3 hours (180 minutes) of uploads and 100 downloads, but if that is not enough for your needs you can choose a Pro account or a Pro Unlimited account.

Will it work on my device?

SoundCloud has mobile apps for Android and iPhone, but to use all of its features you will need to sign in using a web browser.

Ideas for using SoundCloud in learning and teaching

• Tutors can add relevant recordings to Study Direct site – there are podcasts from across the disciplines, anything from Institute of Physics events to BBC Radio 4 In Our Time History panel discussions. A whole playlist can be embedded in a
  Study Direct HTML block using the embed code from SoundCloud.
• Students can add links to recordings in forum discussions.
• Students could use SoundCloud to record mock research interviews then give feedback to each other by adding comments to the recordings.
• Tutors and/or students could compile playlists of audio resources around a topic and share them with each other.

What are the alternatives?

In the music streaming market the alternatives to SoundCloud are services such as iTunes, Spotify, Deezer and Google Play, but for uploading your own audio clips, finding podcasts and audio of news etc. you might find these useful:

• AudioBoom (formerly audioboo)
• Chirbit
• Open Culture audio library

Conclusion

Sound Cloud can be used in many ways for teaching and learning. See the Educational Technology and Mobile Learning for step by step ideas on how to make the most of SoundCloud with your students.

If you would like help with using SoundCloud or to discuss how this or any other app could help you in your teaching or learning please get in touch with the TEL team.

Notes

creative commons licensed (BY-SA) flickr photo by Fey Ilyas: