How to Use an Online Audio Pronunciation Aid

1. Obtain speakers or headphones and plug them into the audio output jack on your computer. The location of this jack on computers varies greatly, but it is usually green as shown in Figure 1.10 "Audio Output Ports on Three Computers".

   Figure 1.10 Audio Output Ports on Three Computers

   
2. Enable the speaker output. In Windows computers, look for a speaker icon in the lower right corner of the screen. If the speakers/headphone jack is turned off, it will have the universal symbol for “No” on it. If that is the case, double-click the icon and remove the check mark next to Mute to enable the speaker output. The icon displays without the “No” symbol.
3. Use your web browser to go to http://www.thefreedictionary.com.
4. In the Search box, type synchronous and then click the Search button.

5. The term is displayed with a phonetic spelling and a speaker icon, as shown in Figure 1.11 "Pronunciation Option in an Online Dictionary".

   Figure 1.11 Pronunciation Option in an Online Dictionary

   

   Source: www.thefreedictionary.com.

6. To the right of the word, click the speaker icon. You should be able to hear the pronunciation through the speakers or headphones.
7. Capture a screen that shows the dictionary definition of synchronous and then paste it into a word processing document.

8. Review your work and use the following rubric to determine its adequacy:

   Element	Best	Adequate	Poor
   File name	N/A
   Used an online audio aid to learn to pronounce terms correctly	Used a browser to open an online dictionary that has an audio feature for pronouncing terms that is indicated by an icon	Same as Best	Choice of a website that does not include audio pronunciations or has an inability to activate the audio output

9. Submit evidence of completion as directed by the instructor.