Auto-tune into the News

I have my box of Kleenex, bag of sugar-free Ricolas, green tea, and assorted remotes and phones by my side.  I'm settled in for a day of resting and healing due to a measly cold that seems to be giving me a run for my money.  Because of this, I got the rare opportunity to watch a bit of the Today Show, where a story was featured about the Gregory brothers (and wife/sister-in-law Sarah) whose news satires have gone viral on YouTube.



The 8 minute clip from the show explains how the group felt some of the news stories to be a bit boring.   They took some of the clips and used auto-tuning to make music and create interest out of these stories.  Auto-tuning has become increasingly popular in the music industry as a way of changing the voice of the artist, and in some cases improving the quality of the sound.  (think:  "you're a little pitchy dog," "don't worry, I can auto-tune that later")

While there is certainly satire and parody involved in these productions, I think this proving how important 21st century skills and technology are in teaching today's youth about current events.  One could go so far as to say Auto-tune the News is this generation's version of political cartoons.

In the Today Show clip, the group mentions that the cost of producing these videos is a whopping $0 (or more if you include bagel consumption).  So off I went on a hunt for instruction in auto-tuning and found an explanation for using Auto-tune in Audacity as well as Garage Band.

Audacity How To:

Learn How to auto-tune your vocals in Audacity for free. For more Audacity How-To Videos & Articles, visit WonderHowTo.

Garage Band How To:


Chris | Live Tech Support | Video Help | Add to iTunes

Technology Tango

I often find myself "translating" between what teachers want and need and what the technical staff can do (in a reasonable amount of time). It's a strange place to be and I can see both sides of the fence when it comes to frustration and disappointment. Hopefully, through some effective communication and clear goal setting that can be alleviated. In the meantime, this is a great post in The Blue Skunk Blog by Doug Johnson.

Doug discusses some key points in making technology and the decision makers more friendly. While I think (and hope) that most of the teachers that I work with consider me friendly and approachable (I'm also not a decision maker) I think that one of the points that struck me was spending more time in the classrooms. I am sometimes pulled away by teaching classes, attending meetings, and planning for integration and programs. This year I have already decided to spend more time face to face with teachers in their classrooms with the goal of trying to boost 21st century skills through practice rather than large group instruction. I plan to post and keep everyone updated through this blog on these adventures with the hopes that it might inspire you.

Please see this example in 21st Century Learning to get a better idea of the goal we have in mind.