by Lucy Kendra, Heriot-Watt Online, UK.
Hearing is a way of touching at a distance. ‘The Soundscape’, Murray Schafer (1977).
What
In support of our mission to get serious about sound, we’ve created a collaborative sound map for Media and Learning Association members. We invite you to post short field recordings of environment(s) related to your life and work. Think of your posts in this context as ‘sound postcards’ that capture sonic spaces meaningful to you. Discover and experience fellow members’ postcards by exploring the map.
Field recording involves capturing audio recordings outside traditional studio environments – either indoor or outdoor – encompassing both natural sounds and those created by humans. How you choose to record (and/or edit) your work, is up to you – we welcome all approaches. Everyone within a member organization can take part.
When
Open now and ongoing. We’re planning to share content submitted by Monday May 5th in listening events at the upcoming Media and Learning Annual Conference (so please get posting!).
How
To get started, simply follow the prompts at this Padlet link. Or read on for further guidance.
- Create up to three minutes of sound content. The platform accepts up to 20mb per file, so .mp3 format is potentially more achievable, though we’d prefer uncompressed .wav files wherever possible.
- Visit the map, click on the plus sign (bottom right) and complete the fields as prompted. Some prompts are essential for upload (starred), others are optional.
- Hint: once published, clicking the edit button – three dots, top right of your post – will allow you to amend your location with greater accuracy, via the location field.
- Add (optional) corresponding photographs or videos in a separate post
- To see example posts on the map, search for Laguna, Brazil or Riccarton, Edinburgh in the top right search bar of the Padlet – or click on these direct links to the posts: Laguna, Brazil; Riccarton Estate, Edinburgh
Why
- Connect with our global – and growing – community through the affordances of sound
- Contribute to a live learning lab for research and future initiatives; you’ll be prompted to give appropriate licensing and attribution details)
- Expand your network; you’ll be prompted to add an email address for contact (and we encourage you to explore Media and Learning’s special interest groups (SIGs) too)
- Develop and enhance your skills in listening, recording and editing
Notes on recording
- While higher-quality recorders and microphones will generally yield better results, even a thoughtfully recorded clip on a smartphone can produce effective outcomes.
- If possible, record in stereo for richer sound; those more adventurous (or experienced) may wish to experiment with ambisonic or 360° recording equipment for a truly immersive experience.
- Wind is often the biggest challenge when recording outdoors. A windshield is, therefore, an important tool – whether it’s designed for microphones, smartphones, or even a DIY solution. Using one can make a significant difference in capturing clean, clear audio outside.
- There is much guidance and support ‘out there’. Here’s one Instructional resource, and some tips on field recordings from the creators of this sound map
Further listening for wider context
- Podcasts: Field Recordings; Silence and the Presence of Everything; The Last Sound
- Sound map: People and Place
About the team
This map is created and moderated by the Heriot-Watt Online media team, who work with image and sound to create learning experiences for fully online asynchronous degree programmes. They are interested in the ways in which media can be designed to promote a sense of connection for global and diverse online learning communities. For queries and discourse, or if you want to retract a post, contact them at hwomedia@hw.ac.uk.
by Lucy Kendra, Heriot-Watt Online, UK. Lucy is the Chair of the AV in Higher Education Special Interest Group.
