Audio as basic media for CALL Material

In the context of CALL (Computer-Assisted Language Learning), Audio is not just an "add-on"—it is a fundamental building block (Basic Media). While text allows students to read about a language, Audio allows them to experience it.

Here is an explanation of why Audio is critical and how to operationalize it in your teaching materials (PowerPoint & Word). 

1. Why is Audio "Basic" (Fundamental)?

In language teaching, Audio serves three irreplaceable functions that text cannot fulfill:

• The Authentic Model (Input): Students cannot learn pronunciation or intonation from text alone. Audio provides the "Model" of the native speaker.

• The "Dual Coding" Effect: Research shows that when students hear an explanation while seeing a relevant image (Audio + Visual), they retain information better than just reading text (Text + Visual).

• Accessibility & Inclusivity: For students with reading difficulties (dyslexia) or auditory learning styles, Audio is the primary bridge to understanding.

2. The Three Roles of Audio in Interactive LKPD

When designing your PowerPoint worksheets, Audio usually takes one of these three forms:

A. Audio as INSTRUCTION ( The Guide )

• Purpose: To guide students who might struggle with reading long instructions.

• Example: A "Speaker Icon" next to the question text. When clicked, the teacher's voice reads the question aloud.

• PowerPoint Tip: Record yourself saying, "Click the red button to start," and place it on the Cover Slide.

B. Audio as CONTENT ( The Lesson )

• Purpose: The core material to be analyzed (Listening Comprehension).

• Example: A conversation between two people at a market.

• Activity: "Listen to the dialogue. Then, drag and drop the fruit they mentioned into the basket."

C. Audio as FEEDBACK ( The Reward )

• Purpose: Instant emotional reinforcement.

• Example:

  • Correct Answer: A satisfying "Ding" or "Applause" sound.

  • Wrong Answer: A gentle "Whoops" or "Buzz" sound.

• Why it works: It gamifies the learning process, making the LKPD feel like an app, not a test.

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3. Managing Audio in Your "Call Sheet" (MS Word)

Since audio files are invisible until played, you must manage them carefully in your MS Word Script (from the previous step).

Add a specific column for "Audio Assets":

Slide #	Visual Content	Audio Asset (Filename)	Script / Transcript
Slide 3	Image of Apple	pron_apple_v1.mp3	(Voiceover): "Repeat after me: A-P-P-L-E."
Slide 4	Quiz Button	sfx_correct.wav	(Sound Effect: Bell Ding)

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4. Technical "Pro-Tips" for PowerPoint

If you are using PowerPoint to create your Interactive LKPD, use these settings for a professional feel:

• Hide the Icon:

  • If you want background music or auto-narration, you don't want a big ugly speaker icon on the slide.

  • How: Click the Audio Icon > Playback Tab > Check "Hide During Show".

• Trim Audio:

  • You don't need external software to cut out the silence at the start of your recording.

  • How: Right-click Audio Icon > Trim Audio > Drag the green/red bars.

• Trigger Audio:

• Make an image speak! You don't need to click the tiny speaker icon.

• How: Insert a picture of a Cat. Insert a "Meow" sound. Go to Animations > Trigger > On Click of [Picture of Cat]. Now, clicking the cat makes it meow.

FOR EXAMPLE: Audio as basic media for CALL Material