"Is there a way I can convert my Windows Media Audio (WMA) files to MP3? Most of my learners would prefer the audio files as mp3s so they can play them on their iPods and other mp3-players."

There are a number of ways this can be done; here’s how you can convert them into the MP3 format, for free, in three easy steps:

1. Download and install FormatFactory. (go to http://www.formatoz.com/download.html for the download)
2. After it’s installed,
   
   • open the application.
     
   • Click on Audio in the left column, and then
     
   • click on All to MP3.
3. Add the files you want to convert to MP3 (To the window that appears) and click OK.
   
   • Click Start on the main application window to convert your WMA file to MP3.

Depending on the file’s size, the process might take a few seconds.

When it’s done, you will find the MP3 file(s) in My Documents in a folder called FFOutput (unless you changed the output folder, of course).

You will have successfully changed your WMA file to MP3, for free.