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This document explains two methods to share '''audio in Moodle'''. They are ''Simple'' and ''Advanced''.  We suggest using the [[Audio in Moodle#Advanced_method|Advanced method]] which requires slightly more preparation but allows for more flexibility. However, if the audio has already been created then the [[Audio in Moodle#Simple_method|Simple Method]] will be fine in most cases. Instructions are also given for converting an existing audio file to one of the Moodle standard types.
{{Working with media}}
''Note:'' This page covers  audio (sound files) which are added to a course by the teacher for students to listen to. See '''[[Speech tools |Speech tools]]''' if you are looking for ways to allow your students or teachers to record directly into Moodle or engage in audio conferencing.


Audio is a very powerful tool to use in a Moodle course, allowing students, for example to catch up on lectures they missed, learn from podcasts, or improve their language skills by listening to native speakers interact. To use audio in Moodle to best effect, audio players such as the MP3 player should be enabled in ''Administration > Site administration > Appearance > Media embedding'' in addition to the [[Multimedia plugins filter]].


== Multimedia filters ==
Moodle has a facility called [[Multimedia plugins]] that can make the presentation of some kinds of downloaded audio and video files more streamlined. Turning this on is recommended, and is a job for your Moodle administrator. It can however, in some rare cases cause your MP3 files to sound faster and higher pitched, making normal speech sound like Minnie Mouse, or slower and lower pitched. If this is the case then you may need to follow the Advanced Method outlined below to prepare your audio files for use within Moodle. Alternatively, you can try to ensure that the media filter doesn't attempt to process the problematic file.


== Simple method ==
==Types of audio (sound) files==
The following formats are widely used and if not already present on a computer, easy to use software can be easily downloaded and installed at no cost.
*Moodle will accept the following audio file formats.If you want your sound file to play in its own player (embedded) on a page then choose mp3 format.
** .mp3
** .aac
** .wma (Windows Media Audio)
** .rm (Real Media)


* .mp3
==Creating your own audio files==
* .aac
*For troubleshooting and hints on creating your own sound files for use in  Moodle, see the [[Advanced_Audio|Advanced Audio]] page
* .wma (Windows Media Audio)
* .ra (Real Media)


If you have a choice in the matter we would suggest choosing MP3. It is the most widely used format and is likely to be playable on any modern computer, internet connected device or portable player. If you are creating audio files, or having them created for you we suggest some specific settings for your MP3 in the next section.
==Ways of displaying audio==


== Advanced method ==
===Linking to a sound file online elsewhere===
The Media Filters in Moodle use [[Flash]] to playback audio in the browser. Flash requires the audio to be in a fairly specific format and this happens to also ensure the widest possible compatibility in other situations e.g. playing on an iPod. The short version follows, it is explained in greater depth below:
*If your audio file is hosted elsewhere online (such as Grooveshark [http://www.grooveshark.com]) you can simply link to the relevant page by choosing ''Add a resource>[[URL|URL]]'' and pasting in the relevant link given you by the site.
*For more information, see [[URL|URL]]
*Note that, in an establishment where certain sharing sites might be banned, your students might not be able to access your sound file through Moodle.


* MP3 format
===Uploading audio for students to download===
* with a sample rate of 11.025, 22.05 or 44.1 kHz
*Choose this option if you wish to upload your sound file to Moodle and give users the option to download it to their own computers.
* Constant Bit Rate (CBR) rather than Variable Bit Rate (VBR)
*Choose ''Add a resource>[[File|File]]''
* Joint-Stereo, rather than Mono or Full Stereo
*For more information, see [[File|File]]
*Note that the way the audio will display depends on the software the user has on their own computer. This could mean that some students might be unable to access your audio.


Note that 'sample rate' or frequency, measured in kiloHertz (kHz), is not the same as 'bit rate', measured in kilobits per second (kbps). The latter is a measure of filesize and download time and also a rough measure of quality. Somewhere between 32 and 96 kbps is appropriate with diminishing returns beyond 128kbps.
===Embedding a sound file in its own player===
*Moodle includes a built-in mp3 player. If the relevant [[Multimedia plugins filter]] is enabled by the administrator and within the course, sound files embedded into the text editor will play inline.
*Anywhere that Moodle's text editor is available, it is possible to embed a sound file, for example in a [[Label|label]] or a [[Page|page]], a course topic summary, a [[Description_question_type| quiz description]] or a [[Lesson|lesson]]. The next section explains how:


Sample rate is the number of times per second that the sound is digitally recorded. Due to something called the Nyquist Theorem you need twice the frequency of the sounds you wish to record. 44.1kHz is probably the most compatible and a good default choice but 22 and 11kHz are fairly standard too. You might sometimes find MP3 audio files at 16, 32 and 48 kHz but these can cause problems with Moodle and elsewhere and so ideally should be re-encoded following the instructions given below.
====Using the Moodle media icon====
*With your editing turned on, click into the HTML editor where you wish to embed your sound file. (It needs to be mp3)
*Click the Moodle media icon as in the following screenshot:
[[File:Addmedia.png]]
*Click ''Find or upload a sound,video or applet''
*The file picker will appear:
[[File:Filepickermedia.png]]


Variable Bit Rate files are commonly used to get the best audio quality by 'saving up' bit on easily encoded sections such as silence or simple audio and then using them for difficult to encode noises such as applause, harpsichords or hi-hats. Constant Bit Rate mp3s can be seen therefore as wasteful as they use the same amount of bits for silence as they do for a full orchestra crescendo but are more compatible and easier to stream. If audio files report that they are much longer or shorter than they really are then VBR incompatibility is a likely cause. If audio sound faster or slower than it should, an you have ruled out the sample rate as a cause then VBR may be the culprit.
*Either click ''Upload a file'' to upload an mp3 file from your computer or choose the appropriate repository from which you wish to bring in your sound file. (What you see will depend on what the Moodle admin has enabled)
*Change the ''save as/author/license'' settings if desired and click upload this file or select this file
*Your sound file will appear in a preview player. Click ''Insert'' at the bottom
*'''Don't panic'''! You will now only see a blue text link of your mp3 file
[[File:Mp3bluelink.png]]


Mono files theoretically save bandwidth when the location of the audio is irrelevant (e.g. a single person talking), but joint-stereo mp3s can encode most stereo info with minimal quality loss and are smart enough to deal with primarily mono audio without wasting bits and unnecessarily increasing filesize and download time. Full or Real stereo is only necessary for the very highest quality of recording where stereo separation is regarded as important. Mono files are another potential cause for audio to playback at twice the expected speed.
*When you click'' Save changes'' to return to the main course page, your mp3 file will display:
[[File:Displayedmp3file.png]]


==== Pros of advanced method ====
====Using a hyperlink====
* Ideal for shorter sound clips which can be flexibly embedded into a document, forums, quizzes, lessons etc.
(Note - this method has no advantage over using the  media icon, but was popular in older versions of Moodle)
* Allows longer audio files to play instantly in the browser as they download in the background.
*With your editing turned on, click into the HTML editor where you wish to embed your mp3 file.
* Widest possible compatibility (both software and hardware)
*Type some blank spaces and select them.
* consistent user experience across platforms (Mac, PC, Linux) as it plays in the browser
*Click the hyperlink icon as in the following screenshot.(The icon will only be clickable if you have selected text or spaces)
[[File:Hyperlinkicon.png]]
*Click "Browse repositories":
[[File:Linkurl.png]]
*This takes you to the file picker. Follow the instructions for uploading/selecting your sound file as for using the Moodle media icon.
*When your file is chosen, it will appear in the link URL box as below. Click ''Create link"
[[File:Insertvideo.png]]
*'''''Don't panic!''''' You will now only get a blue line in the HTML editor:
[[File:Audiopreview2.png]]
*When you click ''save changes'' to return to the main course page, your mp3 file will display.


====Cons of the advanced method====
====Using embed code to display mp3s online elsewhere====
* Can require more preparation
*Some sites such as [http://grooveshark.com/] provide embed code/widgets that will enable you to play their mp3 files on your Moodle. First - go to your chosen site and copy this code of the mp3 file you wish to use.
* The Media Filters can have issues with some mp3 audio files produced by third parties, that would play fine if downloaded
*With your editing turned on, click into the HTML editor where you wish to embed the file.
 
*Click the HTML code icon as in the following screenshot:
== Conversion to compatible MP3 ==
[[File:Htmlcodeicon.png]]
If you have audio in one of the other formats listed above but would prefer it in the widely compatible MP3 format detailed above then most can be easily be converted. The following instructions are for iTunes which is freely and easily available for both Mac and PC.
*Paste your embed code into the box:
 
[[File:Groovesharkembed.png]]
To change the settings used to create or convert audio files, open the iTunes option screen, then select:
*Scroll down and click "update".
 
*The mp3 file will be previewed in the HTML editor. Click ''save changes'' for it to display on the page
Options -> Advanced -> Importing, then select MP3 Encoder then from Settings: select Custom...
[[File:Groovesharkplayer.png]]
 
* Stereo Bit Rate: your choice. (see below for guidance)
* Don't tick "Use Variable Rate Encoding"
* Sample Rate: only choose either 44.100, 22.050, or 11.025 kHz (lower sample rate as you lower bitrate)
* Channels: Stereo
* Stereo Mode: Joint Stereo
* Don't Tick "Smart Encoding Adjustments" (this doesn't have any effect unless you have left some settings at 'auto')
* Tick "Filter frequencies Below 10 Hz" (this generally doesn't have any effect but doesn't really hurt and can increase quality)
 
If you have played the file in iTunes you should be able to find it in your library. After selecting the file you should find an option in the Advanced menu, called Convert Selection to MP3. If you have several files to convert you can select them all at the same time.
 
== Using Audacity to Convert audio and Record voice ==
Audacity is free, open source software for recording and editing sounds. It is available for Mac OS X, Microsoft Windows, GNU/Linux, and other operating systems. Learn more about Audacity... Also check our Wiki and Forum for more information.
 
=== Features ===
[[Image:audacity-screencapture-001.jpg|right|frame|Audacity interface]]
* Record live audio.
* Convert tapes and records into digital recordings or CDs.
* Edit Ogg Vorbis, MP3, WAV or AIFF sound files.
* Cut, copy, splice or mix sounds together.
* Change the speed or pitch of a recording.
* And more! See the [http://audacity.sourceforge.net/about/features complete list of features].
 
 
=== Audacity help and tutorials ===
* [http://audacity.sourceforge.net/ Website] , [http://audacity.sourceforge.net/download/ Download]
* [http://audacityteam.org/wiki/index.php?title=Creating_a_simple_voice_and_music_Podcast_with_Audacity Creating a simple voice and music Podcast with Audacity]
* [http://audacityteam.org/wiki/index.php?title=Tutorials Tutorials]
* General [http://audacity.sourceforge.net/help/ Help]
 
== Choosing a bitrate ==
If you already have an existing file then you shouldn't change the bitrate without good reason. It is the equivalent of photocopying a photocopy and each copy introduces degradation and artefacts. If you're not going to reduce the bitrate by 50% or more you would probably be best leaving it as it is.
 
MP3 bitrates can range from 1 to 320kbps. You can experiment to find the right mix of size and quality appropriate for your content but anything over 128 kbps is probably a waste of time and space for anything other than recording high-quality music, as is anything higher than the bitrate you start with if converting from one format to another. From 32 to 96 kbps is roughly the right area for recording speech.


==See also==
==See also==
*[[MP3 player]] and [[MP3_player#Inserting_sounds_into_questions|section for how to insert sounds]] into questions.
*[[Audio_FAQ|Audio FAQ]]
* [[http://moodle.org/mod/data/view.php?d=13&rid=616 Audio Recorder 1.1 (create MP3 audio files)]] can be found in Modules and Plugs for downloading and more information.
*[[Advanced_Audio|Advanced Audio]] (for troubleshooting audio in Moodle and help creating your own)
*[http://moodle.org/mod/data/view.php?d=13&mode=single&page=35 Audio Conference module] can be found in Modules and Plugs for downloading and more information.
*[[Speech tools]]
*[http://moodle.org/mod/data/view.php?d=13&rid=1191&filter=1 Covcell Audio Recording Assignment Type] can be found in Modules and Plugs for downloading and more information.
*[[MP3 player]] with many techniques for inserting sound.
*[http://moodle.org/mod/data/view.php?d=13&rid=1190&filter=1 Covcell Audio-/Video Conferencing Tool] can be found in Modules and Plugs for downloading and more information.
*[[Portable recording devices]]
*[http://moodle.org/mod/data/view.php?d=13&rid=1038&filter=1 INWICAST Mediacenter] can be found in Modules and Plugs for downloading and more information.
*[[Podcasting]]
*[http://moodle.org/mod/data/view.php?d=13&rid=418&filter=1  MoodleSpeex voice recording tool] can be found in Modules and Plugs for downloading and more information.  Perhaps for 1.7
*[[http://moodle.org/mod/data/view.php?d=13&rid=1113&filter=1 WiZiQ Live Class]] can be found in Modules and Plugs for downloading and more information. 1.7 - 1.9
*[http://moodle.org/mod/data/view.php?d=13&rid=1114&filter=1 WiZiQ Live Class Block] can be found in Modules and Plugs for downloading and more information. 1.7 - 1.9


*[[Speech_tools]]
[[Category:Audio]]


[[Category:Filter]]
[[de:Audio]]
[[Category:Audio]]
[[es:Audio]]

Latest revision as of 18:28, 5 December 2014

Note: This page covers audio (sound files) which are added to a course by the teacher for students to listen to. See Speech tools if you are looking for ways to allow your students or teachers to record directly into Moodle or engage in audio conferencing.

Audio is a very powerful tool to use in a Moodle course, allowing students, for example to catch up on lectures they missed, learn from podcasts, or improve their language skills by listening to native speakers interact. To use audio in Moodle to best effect, audio players such as the MP3 player should be enabled in Administration > Site administration > Appearance > Media embedding in addition to the Multimedia plugins filter.


Types of audio (sound) files

  • Moodle will accept the following audio file formats.If you want your sound file to play in its own player (embedded) on a page then choose mp3 format.
    • .mp3
    • .aac
    • .wma (Windows Media Audio)
    • .rm (Real Media)

Creating your own audio files

  • For troubleshooting and hints on creating your own sound files for use in Moodle, see the Advanced Audio page

Ways of displaying audio

Linking to a sound file online elsewhere

  • If your audio file is hosted elsewhere online (such as Grooveshark [1]) you can simply link to the relevant page by choosing Add a resource>URL and pasting in the relevant link given you by the site.
  • For more information, see URL
  • Note that, in an establishment where certain sharing sites might be banned, your students might not be able to access your sound file through Moodle.

Uploading audio for students to download

  • Choose this option if you wish to upload your sound file to Moodle and give users the option to download it to their own computers.
  • Choose Add a resource>File
  • For more information, see File
  • Note that the way the audio will display depends on the software the user has on their own computer. This could mean that some students might be unable to access your audio.

Embedding a sound file in its own player

  • Moodle includes a built-in mp3 player. If the relevant Multimedia plugins filter is enabled by the administrator and within the course, sound files embedded into the text editor will play inline.
  • Anywhere that Moodle's text editor is available, it is possible to embed a sound file, for example in a label or a page, a course topic summary, a quiz description or a lesson. The next section explains how:

Using the Moodle media icon

  • With your editing turned on, click into the HTML editor where you wish to embed your sound file. (It needs to be mp3)
  • Click the Moodle media icon as in the following screenshot:

Addmedia.png

  • Click Find or upload a sound,video or applet
  • The file picker will appear:

Filepickermedia.png

  • Either click Upload a file to upload an mp3 file from your computer or choose the appropriate repository from which you wish to bring in your sound file. (What you see will depend on what the Moodle admin has enabled)
  • Change the save as/author/license settings if desired and click upload this file or select this file
  • Your sound file will appear in a preview player. Click Insert at the bottom
  • Don't panic! You will now only see a blue text link of your mp3 file

Mp3bluelink.png

  • When you click Save changes to return to the main course page, your mp3 file will display:

Displayedmp3file.png

Using a hyperlink

(Note - this method has no advantage over using the media icon, but was popular in older versions of Moodle)

  • With your editing turned on, click into the HTML editor where you wish to embed your mp3 file.
  • Type some blank spaces and select them.
  • Click the hyperlink icon as in the following screenshot.(The icon will only be clickable if you have selected text or spaces)

Hyperlinkicon.png

  • Click "Browse repositories":

Linkurl.png

  • This takes you to the file picker. Follow the instructions for uploading/selecting your sound file as for using the Moodle media icon.
  • When your file is chosen, it will appear in the link URL box as below. Click Create link"

Insertvideo.png

  • Don't panic! You will now only get a blue line in the HTML editor:

Audiopreview2.png

  • When you click save changes to return to the main course page, your mp3 file will display.

Using embed code to display mp3s online elsewhere

  • Some sites such as [2] provide embed code/widgets that will enable you to play their mp3 files on your Moodle. First - go to your chosen site and copy this code of the mp3 file you wish to use.
  • With your editing turned on, click into the HTML editor where you wish to embed the file.
  • Click the HTML code icon as in the following screenshot:

Htmlcodeicon.png

  • Paste your embed code into the box:

Groovesharkembed.png

  • Scroll down and click "update".
  • The mp3 file will be previewed in the HTML editor. Click save changes for it to display on the page

Groovesharkplayer.png

See also