HOW TO: Create an Audio Book Review and Play Them Using QR Codes on iPads

Since receiving a small number of iPads for my classroom, I have been doing some research on how best to use them effectively. This week I stumbled across a free app called Audioboo that allows students to record their thinking in audio form. The audio files are published on the web where a greater audience of other students in the class can hear their thoughts. 

During some collaborative inquiry professional development this year, a colleague and I were examining how audience has an impact on student work. Through that professional development, we learned that students are more engaged and are more careful in constructing their work when a public audiences is added into the equation. Using Audioboo to create more accountable book reviews seems like a natural extension of that learning. 

When students create an audio file using Audioboo, they can also create a QR code that will provide a scannable link to their audio file. Teachers and students could post their QR codes around the room and then allow other students to scan them and listen to those audio files on their iPads.

How to create an Audioboo file:

1. Download and install Audioboo for free from the App Store.

Recording an audio file.

2. Open the app and on the bottom left of the screen click on the red record button. Then press the next red record button in the popup dialog box. You will have up to 10 minutes of recording time. 

3. When you are done or want to take a break press the pause button.

4. You can click on the scissor icon to trim your audio file as needed.

5. When your file is ready for publishing click on publish.

6. In the publish dialog box you can add a title, description, photo, and your location. I recommend turning off location services in the Audioboo main settings to protect student privacy. 

Adding information about your file before uploading.

7. When you're finished adding the information you want, press upload to send your audio file to the web. You will now be able to access your audio file in the Audioboo app or on their website.

How to create a scannable QR code that links to your audio file:

1. In the Audioboo app, click on "My Posts" and then click on the audio file you want to create a QR code for. This will take you to a more detailed page of information about your audio file. 

2. Click on the share button, and then click on "Open in Safari". This will take you to the webpage that houses your Audioboo file. 

3. Click on the grey box that says "QR Code". This will take you to a detailed QR code page. 

4. You can save the QR code picture onto your iPad by tapping and holding on the picture of the QR or you can print the page by pressing the print button and selecting an air print compatible printer. 

QR Code Scanning Tip: I really like using the free app Quickmark.

The printable QR code page.