What is Audio Portfolios?
Audio Portfolios is a tool that provides an environment for students to practice speaking. The program runs in a web browser window. Students log in to their own accounts and record themselves. When they are satisfied with their sound files, they "share" them with the instructor. Shared files are accessible to the instructor. All sound files are stored on the server, and are accessible only to the student and the instructor.
What is it for?
Audio Portfolios was created to support language classes. It is intended to expand the amount of speaking practice that students get in their language class.
How does it work?
Audio Portfolios makes use of two-way streaming made available through the Flash Communication Server MX. The program for logging in students and tracking their files runs on the server.
What do I need to use Audio Portfolios?
In order to use Audio Portfolios, each use needs access to a computer with a web browser, the Flash plugin (verson 6 or later), an internet connection, and a microphone. The program will detect and make use of a webcam as well, but it is not necessary to have a camera in order to record audio.
Do I need a broadband connection to use it?
The program has been tested on various broadband platforms, including LAN, cable modem, wireless, and DSL. It has not been tested on a dialup connection. While it may work over dialup, it is recommended that some sort of broadband connection is used.
How much does it cost?
Teachers pay a yearly subscription fee of $50. Teachers create accounts for their students, who use it without charge.
Can I try the program?
You can log in as a teacher using the username teacher, password teacher.
Log in as a student using the username guest, password guest, or username demo, password demo. For the classs ID, type 34.
How do I get an account?
You can register online with a credit card. Click the link on the home page. Contact Dennie Hoopingarner (hooping4@msu.edu) for more information.
What kind of webcam is needed? Will older webcams work?
The program should be able to capture audio and video from any camera or microphone that your system can recognize. A variety of cameras, from the newest firewire cameras to old USB Quickcams, have been tested sucessfully.
I'm using an iSight camera with OSX, and I can get only audio, not video.
The video settings of the Flash plugin can get changed. To return the video input to the iSight camera, control-click anywhere on the AP in the web page, then choose "Settings." Tab to the video settings, then choose the firewire camera option. You can also click on the camera icon that becomes visible when you tab to the video settings.