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Wellesley College Research Guides

POL1 210: Campaigns and Elections

Find Images and Media

If you'd like to distribute your media beyond the classroom, you should search for content in the public domain or under Creative Commons. 

The Media Libguide is a great resources summary. Scroll down a bit to get to the Audio section.

What is Creative Commons? Check out this guide or this infographic

QUESTIONS ABOUT COPYRIGHT?

Harriet Pilpel Can Fly 

  • H = Homegrown
  • P = Public Domain
  • C = Creative Commons
  • F = Fair Use

Derived from Wesley Fryer's 'Harry Potter Can Fly"

Still have copyright questions?

Email Graham Henderson:  shenders@wellesley.edu

Sound Editing Software

Audacity - Free, works on both Macs and Windows computers. A bit tricky to install, but worth it. 

GarageBand - Mac only

These software allow you to edit multiple tracks. This means you can have one track with your voice, another with sound effects, and yet another with music. Layering sound can be an extremely effective way to immerse your listener in a story.

Recording higher quality audio

Microphones

  • Microphones isolate the sounds you want to record from other sounds in the space. 
  • Not all microphones are created equal. They can be specialized, and some are higher quality than others. 
  • Microphones won't work alone. They need to be attached to a device which can actually record and store the audio.
    • Some microphones are built directly into the device they record and store to (your smartphone, laptop, the tascams for example)
    • Some microphones are external and need to be attached to a recording device (see below).

Headphones

  • Microphones pick up different sounds than our ears do, so always use headphones to listen to what you are recording.

Recording Devices

  • Tascams, computers, your smartphone ... these are all examples of devices which can capture and store the sound your microphone is recording. 

Equipment Chart

I want to... Use this... with this...
Record myself clearly

Headset with mic
  • Computer (USB plug for Mac)
  • Phone
  • Tablet
  • iPad Headset Microphone Adapter (if using a phone or a tablet)
Record a single subject clearly

Rode smartlav lapel mic
  • Computer
  • Phone
  • Tablet
  • iPad Headset Microphone Adapter (if using a phone or a tablet)
Record many people at once or ambient noise

Conferencing microphone
  • Computer
Record a single subject clearly / Record two people clearly

Tascam Audio Recorders

 N/A

 

Storyboards

A storyboard is the equivalent of an outline for a paper. When you create a media project, you start with a storyboard.

Storyboards serve the following purposes:

  • Allows you to gather your ideas before you begin working with video or audio content.
  • Encourages you to think about all elements of your digital story: visual, textual, audible.
  • Allows you to quickly sketch and try out different ideas Helps identify resources needed to complete the project and whether you can find them or need to create them yourselves.
  • Generates questions that can help you decide whether your scope is achievable or not.
  • Are works in progress, just like outlines. They’ll change as you work on your project
  • Serve as a quick reference: Did you address all the required elements, such as length and content?

If you’re writing a full script out first, it shouldn’t be longer than 2 double-spaced pages or reading it will take longer than 3 to 4 minutes.

Tools for building storyboards 

Storyboard Templates

2-column storymapping approach 

 

Subjects: Political Science