Tag: qr codes

How to create an audio QR Code

An audio QR code could be made to provide instructions to a student in an independent learning activity or for a student with a lower reading ability, thus freeing up the teacher . An audio QR code could be used to link to a read-aloud story for a child to enjoy. An audio QR code could be a child describing their artwork, their goals for the year, an example of their reading proficiency, or for whatever purpose you wish to record an audio file! An audio QR code for classroom use takes just minutes to set up and gives students an instant, hands-free way to hear it.

Making an Audio QR Code for Classroom Use

The process is quite straighforward – record an audio file, store it and then create a QR code linking to that audio file.

An audio QR code for classroom use, paired with a character image
This QR code has both the character (image) and their speech (audio file).

There are many ways to record an audio file and as many ways to store the file (Dropbox, Google Drive, etc.) I think the fewer steps involved the better for already busy teachers! Although a little pricey ($7.99 AUD), I recommend the Cloud QR Generator from the App Store as it provides the most options for creating a QR code and is super easy to generate and store the QR Code (either to their cloud server or your own Google Drive.)

The options in Cloud QR Generator

You will need to login to your account. However, if the teacher were to login to just one device, each child could use the app in turn to create their QR code and then save to a Google Drive, etc.

In order to create an audio QR code, simply click on the “Record audio” icon. You will need to give permission for the software to use the microphone. You are able to record up to 5 minutes and when ready, simply press the microphone icon to start recording. There is no countdown and recording begins straight away. Press the pause icon to stop the recording.

When the recording is finished, you can preview by pressing the play icon, or you can save the audio file. Pressing save will bring up the QR code for display where you can change colours or use the Share icon to rename (a very good idea to a name that is meaningful) and then to save the image (QR Code). When you press “save image” you will be asked for access to your Photos. The QR code image will be saved to your Photos on your mobile device where you can print or use later in your teaching.

Here is a great video showing how to do most of the above!

What are some the creative ways you could use an audio QR code in your classroom?

  1. Thanks Matt, I will check out the Pintrest. I think it would be very beneficial to have a more practical…

  3. Thank you for these posts Matt. Keep them coming. I am graduating in about a year and very nervous. Does…

QR Codes

What are QR Codes? QR stands for Quick Response code, as scanning the 2D “code” will provide a response to:

a website; a voice message, a video, a text message (anything alphanumeric), a Google map, wifi login, slidehows, YouTube clips, etc. So they are VERY handy items to make and have in your teaching arsenal! QR codes for the classroom are a simple, low-cost way to hand students a link, a file or a message without typing out a long URL.

Scanning and Making QR Codes for the Classroom

So, how do you scan a QR Code? Look on either Google Play or the App Store. I suggest i-nigma as it is free and has a high scan rate.

Example of a QR code for the classroom linking to the TeacherTalk website

For example, if you scan the blue QR code above, it contains the URL to this website. Teachers can, therefore, easily prepare QR codes to enable students (especially younger students) to access specific websites, even if they have elongated URLs.

An audio QR code for the classroom linked to an audio file
This QR Code links to an audio file.

So, how do you make a QR Code? There are plenty of QR Code generators on the internet which are free to use for a basic downloadable QR Code to be used in the classroom. (See QR Code Generator or QRStuff). Some companies provide a paid version where you can change the colours, insert your own logo, etc.

You can find out more about how to use QR Codes on my Pinterest page.

Please read the subsequent post on how to create an audio QR Code.

Welcome!

Hi and welcome to TeacherTalk.site. As an experienced primary teacher with over 30 years experience and recently as an online University tutor, there is lots to talk about in the field of education!

Welcome to TeacherTalk — quote graphic on what education is

Why I Started TeacherTalk

I completed my Masters Thesis several years ago now on the need to support beginning teachers as many new teachers do not survive the first 5 years. As a result, you will see a few posts to support new teachers.

I am also passionate about the use of ICT in contemporary learning environments, so you will also find posts on the use of ICT and STEAM learning activities.

Another of my ventures was into the world of QR Codes and how they can be used in education and society, so you will find plenty of information on how to use QR Codes also.

But really, the blog is for all teachers to hopefully find a gem to make their life easier or to make the children’s learning more authentic and engaging, so they learn more and you enjoy your teaching more!

Please contact me via email matt@teachertalk.site if you would like to ask a question or commence a conversation around an event or topic.