"Sonic Remediations of the News"

Curatorial note from Digital Pedagogy in the Humanities: Jonathan Stone’s assignment “Sonic Remediations of the News” invites students to transform a print news article into a “layered sonic artifact” using digital-audio editing software. In the process of creating a sonic version of the print article—which includes recording a vocal track and adding music, sound effects, ambient noise, etc.—students experiment with the possibilities and constraints of both print and audio media. Stone’s remediation project is a model assignment for calling attention to how different compositional modes and technologies profoundly shape the ways that writers present information. For teachers who are new to sonic projects like this one, Audacity (an open-source, multitrack digital-audio editor and recording application) is a user-friendly option. The Audacity Manual is also a helpful resource that provides comprehensive information about how to use Audacity, including tutorials, tips, instructions about recording technologies, and explanations of the program’s various effects and technical features