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Making Audio QR Codes {A Step-by-step Tutorial}

Hey, friends! I am here to share with you all about how to create and use Audio QR Codes. Last year, Katie King taught me how to make and use traditional QR Codes (with text) attached. You can read that intro tutorial and an -AR freebie I made here.
Times are a changing, and with the help from an awesome librarian, I am ALL about QR Codes with audio attached. I’ve starting attaching them to literacy centers (in case students forget the directions or refuse to read the directions I’ve included), attaching them to tests (allowing my students who receive readers to work at their own pace), and have this Molly-inspired ReadBox display in the words (ohmyword. Isn’t it the best???).
So, let’s get started! You may scan the code below, and I’ll walk you through the process or I’ve included a step-by-step picture tutorial below!
Audio QR Code
First, you;ll want to download a voice recording app. Initially, I downloaded the Voice Memos app, but I wasn’t able to name the voice clips which became cumbersome to navigate. Then, I tried SuperNote Free and LOVED it. I used my 4 free voice notes and then, upgraded to the paid version for $2.99. I like SuperNote because you can name AND color-code your memos!
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I color-code my subject/topic. Green is blogging, Blue is reading, Pink is writing, and Yellow is assessments/miscellaneous!
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BEWARE- As soon as you click the microphone, it starts recording. No 3 beep warning or countdown. It’s go time! {Although if you mess up, it’s no big deal. You’ll just hit the trashcan button and record}
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Now that you’ve created your recording, you’ll need to save the recording online so you can get a link. You later use this link to create the QR code. I use DropBox and it’s super simple.
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Once you click the DropBox symbol above, SuperNote will ask to create a folder in your Dropox. You’ll want to give SuperNote access to your DropBox. It will create an “Apps” folder and then, it will create a “Super Note” folder. You’ll be able to find your recording here!
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Now, you want the URL/link to your recording. Making sure to click on the share button after you’ve clicked on the recording. That way, when you make the QR code, it will scan directly to the recording rather than the folder. Copy the link.
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Go to any QR Code maker. I use and have had success with QRStuff.com.
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Insert your link and then, save your QR Code. Now, you may add your QR code to a class website or blog, print it and attach it to a literacy center or test, or add it to a business card….whatever your heart desires. Go crazy, friends.

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Now, using an Audio QR Code is exactly like any other QR Code. Scan the code and click, “Go online.”

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If you used a DropBox link, DropBox will open. Click “Download.”
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Voila! Your audio recording opens and begins playing. From here you may pause, rewind, and replay as many times as you would like! 🙂

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My favorite 2 places to use QR codes are literacy centers and assessments. I attach a QR code to the corner of the center and my kids can scan it. They’ll hear me saying the “I Can” statement and giving any directions/tips/reminders for the center!

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photo 11Now, for the moment that sold Audio QR Codes for me… In my middle group, I have 2 students who receive readers for all  grade-level material. Since this is not my co-teaching class, on test days, I pull a stool up to these boys and read. I try to do this as discreetly as possible, but it definitely singles out these boys, but even my quiet reading disturbs those working independently. Additionally, the boys are TOTALLY different test takers. One is slow and methodical. He wanted to hear every passage and question 2 times. The other wants to hear every passage and question once. So, there is really no happy-medium.                                                                                           Here enters audio QR Codes…For our last common assessment, I pre-read all of the passages and questions (it took about 20 minutes for a 17 page test). Then, I printed and attached the QR code to each article. I pulled both  boys and explained the process. They each grabbed an iPad from the cart, and a set of ear buds from their pencil pouches. They placed the iPads in their laps, put the ear buds in, and off they went. It was AMAZING! Both boys had complete control over their testing pace and no one even noticed their accommodation. It was magical. This is my case for Audio QR Codes.

At first, this seems like a daunting process, but DO NOT FEAR! Once you’ve done it a few times, it is fast. Using Audio QR Codes has been a huge asset to my classroom and really keeps my students working independently.

So, please tell me – How do you use Audio QR Codes???

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25 Responses

  1. I love SuperNote and use it to record my student's reading fluency which I share at conferences. I think perhaps, I will have a few of my best readers record themselves reading our decodable books and make into QR codes for my students. Thanks for the tips.

    1. Yes, my LLI boys love using it for fluency practice, too. It's always a treat to "make a movie" of our reading. 🙂

  4. This might be my answer to differentiating spelling tests. I also love the idea of attaching directions to center and independent work. Thank You!

  5. THIS IS AMAZING!!!! I've just started playing around with QR codes and love them! I've also been interested in using some audio/video for a code…this will be suuuuper helpful!! 🙂 Thanks, Catherine!!
    -Aris

  7. I was so excited to find this post today! We were just given an iPad each for our classrooms and now I need to find ways to integrade it. This is great!! I'd much rather put the learning tools into the hands of my students….they get so much more out of it.

    1. Absolutely, Tchur8! You will absolutely love your iPad. It has totally changed the way I teach. If you search my blog (iPad), you'll see some great free apps we use all the time! 🙂

    1. does anyone know how to use QR codes using voiceover?
      I’ve not been able to make it work with the iphone.
      thanks
      hank

  11. I love your site! I am trying to create audio links so test questions can be read by any student, including my students on an IEP. Reading six test to six different kids is getting a little old! I tried creating a link to an mp3 in my dropbox, but when I scan the QR code, it wants me to download it instead of simply playing it. Your examples look exactly like my links to dropbox, but yours play when I scan them. What gives? Thanks!
    Labels: Make Audio QR Codes barcode Audio QR Codes iPad QR Code

  13. I just found this post, and it is so helpful! Thank you so much! I was curious about what it looks like when you scan the QR code on something with sound. When I scan mine, it opens up to the dropbox link and plays the audio. Is that what it looks like yours? I just want to make sure I'm doing it correctly. Thanks again!
    Emily Gibbons, The Literacy Nest

  14. Check out Chirbit.com You automatically create QR codes for any file you upload or record via our web based audio recorder. You can upload 120mb audio files in a bunch of different formats.

  15. Have you heard of Audiobiography? They make these, and THEY ARE AWESOME!! You can easily add text, audio and images without having to take care of any of those other steps they call them Audiostickers. Check them out!

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