Using YouTube Videos (Part 2) : Extracting Audio Files

One of the very first posts of this Blog described how we could download YouTube Videos from the Internet and embed them in our everyday lessons in the classroom. I explained in detail how this could be done by using the popular video-downloading site, Keepvid.com (Using YouTube Videos as a Resource in the Classroom). Sometimes though, we might come across a video with a really good soundtrack or commentary, and we would like to use just that, the audio; perhaps to add special effects to an Audacity Project or for quizzing our students in class. Today I am going to focus on how we can extract Audio Files from these downloaded videos (and from other AVI - MP4 files in general).

Extracting Audio Files from Downloaded Videos

To extract audio from a video which is already on your PC, all you require is a simple audio extraction program. There are various freeware and shareware audio extraction applications available for downloading off the Internet, and they are relatively simple to use (just open the video file and the program does the rest). One of my favourites is AoA Audio Extractor, which is available for free download from AoA Media. This little application will effectively convert popular video formats - such as MP4s, AVIs, FLVs, WMVs and MOVs into MP3s, WAVs or AC3s. To start extracting audio files, simply click on Add Files on the top right hand corner of the screen. You will be prompted to choose the video file to convert. Click on Open and then choose the file format for conversion (MP3, WAV or AC3). Finally, click on the large round Start button on the bottom right hand corner of the screen, and the application will do the rest. You can download AoA Audio Extractor from the AoA Media site, which can be found at http://www.aoamedia.com/audioextractor.htm.

Extracting Audio Files from Online Videos

If you wish to use a YouTube Video primarily for its audio component, there is no need to download the video using KeepVid. Instead of using KeepVid, use another site called (wait for it...) ListenToYouTube. What this site does (in a similar way to KeepVid actually) is download the video for you, but instead of giving you the video file (FLV or MP4 format), it just presents you with the extracted audio file in MP3 format.

First, log onto YouTube and locate the video you wish to use, and start playing it. On the right hand side of the screen, you will see the video's URL. Copy the URL (by right clicking and selecting copy). Then, open a new window and type in http://listentoyoutube.com/. In the centre of the screen, you will see an empty address bar in which you can enter your video's URL directly from YouTube. Simply paste the URL you had previously copied (right click > Paste) and click on Go. You will see some basic information about the video you are trying to convert - such as Title, File Size, etc - and in a minute or two, the application will start processing the video for you. Depending on the speed of your connection, the online video will be processed and converted into an MP3 file.

Up to this stage, your MP3 is still not down laded, but is it simply residing on ListenToYouTube's servers. To actually save a copy of this file, click on Download MP3 and you will be taken to another page where once again you will be prompted to download your file. Click once again on Download MP3 and a dialog box will open, prompting you to insert a username and select a save location for your file. Click on Save and your MP3 will be saved onto your PC.

Which is the best system to extract audio from video files? The answer is up to you. It rather depends on your preferences and what you wish to use your newly-extracted audio file for. If for example, you wish to use the file as a lesson starter, you might want the audio clip plus the original video file to show to the students later on. Or you might just need some special sound effects to embed into an Audacity Project. Whatever system you use, please remember the usual pros and cons of using material straight off the Internet, especially with regards to copyrighted materials and suitability of content - refer to my previous entry about YouTube videos at:

http://teachersandcomputers.blogspot.com/2009/01/using-youtube-videos-as-resource-in.html

Sites to remember:

http://youtube.com/

http://listentoyoutube.com/

http://www.aoamedia.com/audioextractor.htm

Note: A special thanks goes to my colleague Kevin Grima for pointing out ListenToYouTube.com to me. Thanks Kevin :)

Using YouTube Videos as a Resource in the Classroom

Most teachers nowadays will be familiar with sites such as YouTube, Metacafe and Dailymotion…That is, sites that offer short videos  for viewing on the PC.  Videos range from educational and instructional videos, to recreational videos, movie clips, etc.

It is relatively easy to search and look for what you want:  just enter a topic, subject, name of movie, song, etc, and hey presto, you will have loads to choose from.  Subject matter include vidoes on topics frequently tackled in the primary classroom, such as The Environment, The Water Cycle, Animals, etc.

There are two ways in which such videos can be accessed and viewed on the computer.  The first is, of course, to look up the video and view it there and then on the computer or laptop.  However, as we all know, the Internet connection in the classroom is not always up to speed…and these kinds of operations need a fast pc or laptop (which we thankfully now have) and a hassle-free connection (which sometimes is, and sometimes is not…).  However there is actually a way of downloading videos or clips onto your pc/laptop and then be able to view them offline (i.e. when one is not connected to the internet).  Here’s how….

How to download videos or clips (so that they can be viewed offline…)

• First of all you need the page upon which you found the video open.  Go to it and start the video just to be sure it’s the one you want.
  
• The video’s URL (Internet Address) will be on your browser’s address bar (i.e., that line on top of the screen where you usually type your URL).  Select it with your mouse, right click on it, and select “copy” to copy the URL.
  
• Now open a new window in your Internet browser and enter the following URL: www.keepvid.com
• On the top of the page, there will be an different address bar with the word “URL” on one side and the "Download" button on the other.  Click on THIS address bar, right click with the mouse button and click on “paste” to paste the video’s URL you have copied earlier.  Then click on the “Download” button.
  
• The website will give you 2 options: to either download the video in .flv format or .mp4 format.  It’s a matter of personal taste; however I prefare the .mp4 format.  It’s a bigger format and takes longer to download, however the results are often nicer looking (especially if you intend to show the video on the class monitor connected to the laptop) and are usually easier to run on the laptop generally.
  
• So…choose your format and hit “download”.  The website will prompt you to save the file.  Choose a filename and click on the save button.
• Sit back while your video downloads.  (It may take some time, especially if the video is over 10MB…it depends on your connection, the speed of your PC, etc)

Some important points to consider…

1. When selecting a video to download, remember to WATCH IT THROUGH,  and that means, from beginning till the end and also THROUGH THE END CREDITS.  I cannot stress this point enough.  Sometimes people disguise tasteless or indeed bits of pornographic material into completely harmless clips.  So please, PLEASE watch the clip carefully before showing it to the kids!
   
2. While it is perfectly legal to download videos from YouTube and other similar sites, and to use KeepVid to do so, however be careful when downloading copyrighted movie clips/music clips etc.  Sometimes people put vidoes on YouTube without the permission of the author.  It is ILLEGAL to download copyrighted material from YouTube without the permission of the author.  Be wary of dowloading large chunks of movies from the site – espeicially if the movie’s just come out – its probably there without the author’s permission.

That said, I am sure you will find a lot of helpful resources on YouTube, Metacafe and Dailymotion…Lots of songs, clips, and helpful resources….But as I said…Use Responsibly!

Sites to Remember:

www.keepvid.com

www.youtube.com

www.metacafe.com

www.dailymotion.com