Evoca is one of a number of websites that allows you to create an audio file, using either a microphone attached to your computer or a cell phone. The site then converts your audio recording to a digital file and stores it on their server. It automatically generates a little piece of code which you can then copy and paste into a web page or the introduction area of your personal homepage in Blackboard. It's easy. First, create an account at evoca. It's free! You can keep it private. If you plan to call your introduction in, provide the phone number of the telephone you'll be using. (It's like Caller ID, so it has to match).

If you have a microphone on your computer, use that. I think it produces a little better quality. If not, you can use your a phone (cell phone or land line) to "phone it in." In most cases, using a cell phone will just charge the call against your minutes; if you use your land line, this may count as a long distance call.

If you'd like to record your introduction and don't have a microphone or a cell phone, go to the library (the media center at the east side of the building) and ask for Scott Kozak. He'll help you get set up.

Write your introduction and practice reading it out loud a couple of times before you record it. Follow the instructions on the audio site. The free account at evoca limits messages to 2 minutes! Your recording will show up on Evoca's website in a couple of minutes. Then you can edit the name of the recording.

If you're happy with your recording, open a new window in your browser and login to Blackboard. Go to the English Sandbox. Click on the Homepage button at the bottom of the menu, or find the link to Homepage under the Tools button. (In the Sandbox, you are in a student role; if you want to try this in your own Blackboard class, you will be in your faculty role. Post your introduction under Staff Information. )

Return to the Evoca page. Click on the file name of your audio. Scroll down to the bottom of the page. You should see a bunch of HTML code in a little scroll window; use the first set of code labeled for your website. Copy all the code in the window and paste it into the box in your homepage labeled Introduction. Click on Submit.

You can see the homepages of others in the Sandbox by clicking on the Communication button and selecting Roster. I have an introduction in the Staff Information area under my real name, but I have also created a student homepage (using the test student account.) Search the Roster for Student and click on the link to see the homepage.

Let me know when you're successful or if you have any questions!