Audacity is an open-source (aka 100% free) program for recording, editing and exporting sound files. It can be used to record a voice track that can be exported into other programs, or to mix music, narration and sound effects together into a single file.
Flip video cameras are a useful tool in language classes as they are extremely easy to use and fairly inexpensive. With a class set of flip cameras, students can interview each other, perform skits in the target language, create their own “commercials” or music videos and much more. In order to produce a “professional” video, students will work on their project from storyboarding to rehearsal and finally to filming.
Google Docs is an easy-to-use online word processor, spreadsheet and presentation editor. You can use it to create, store and share your documents instantly, securely, and collaborately online in real time.
Animoto is a web application that, with the click of a button, produces videos using images and music that a user selects. Language teachers and students can choose culturally-appropriate images and audio to produce short movies that can be used in language presentations. These can be looked at on the web or embedded in blogs to be shared with classmates. Some NOVASTARTALK products have included videos on Chinese food and Arabic scripts.