Creating and making use of audio files has become a way of life for many of us ever since the first iPod and the beginnings of the iTunes store. There are a number of ways that our students make use of audio files. As consumers of audio, students can benefit if they have a preference for aural learning, develop listening skills as well as access podcasts, audio books, or historical recordings. As producers of audio, our students demonstrate their learning across content areas by employing a number of skills outlined in the Common Core Standards for writing and using technology.

Chirbit, like other similar services, allows users to record and save audio files. A free account gives you the ability to store your recordings online, download as .mp3, and share with others via social media or by the unique URL generated for each recording.

But, Chirbit goes one step further and provides users with the option to create a QR code that, when scanned, will take you right to the recording for playback. How can this benefit us in the classroom?

• Audio recordings can provide an alternative for non-readers or younger students to consume text
  • For example, in a center, provide students with two QR codes – one that leads them to text and one that leads them to the Chirbit recording of that text.
• Create a Learning Walk with QR codes
  • Make the learning active: in your classroom or in your school, create posters/documents for students to visit to access QR codes leading them to recordings that you’ve made to introduce or review topics: What kind of triangle is this? Who is the artist that created this portrait? Where in the world are we? Which character said this?
• Create a living museum: Have students gather or create artifacts related to their learning in any content area. Ask each student to write about the significance of that artifact then record themselves using Chirbit. By attaching the QR code to each artifact, visitors can learn as they explore the museum.

How would you use Chirbit in your instruction?