Audio Functionality

Use of Music

Must-haves

Music, if used at all, should be significantly lower volume than a speaker’s volume. Conflicting audio often confuses and distracts learners. To ensure that music does not negatively impact learners, especially those with hearing difficulties, make sure your music is –18 to –20db lower than your main speaking audio.

Nice-to-haves

If not necessary, and not related to the educational material, omit music that contains words if it is to appear under a speaker. This is often unnecessarily distracting.

Relevant Scenarios for this functionality

Jonah

Jonah has NLVD (Non-Verbal Learning Disorder), and music distracts him from listening to speakers

Doua

Doua is a musician so she enjoys music but can find it distracting at times. She doesn’t mind the addition of music and thinks it can be a great touch as long as it is not too loud, making it hard to focus. She enjoys take her MOOC courses at coffee shops because of the hints of music, but she strategically dines outside to study because the music is lower.