Audacity

Audacity would be a great tool for students who are learning to edit recordings. It allows students to cut and paste sections of sound; alter amplitude, pitch, and speed; splice and overlay multiple recordings; and isolate small sections to edit or play back. The resource is free and relatively simple to start using. I would personally use this application for making practice recordings for students as they learn music. I would also have students use it on their own, if possible, to practice using audio software on their own. It could be an effective tool for self-evaluation either as a class or an individual. By altering pitch and tempo, I can demonstrate different aspects of sound and music that I wouldn't otherwise be able to do.

I use this with my choirs to post group recordings for listening evaluations but have not had luck with individual usage.  I find it to be less user friendly than garage band which can be used in a similar way.