Creating an Audio Picture Dictionary for iPods & iPhones

Claire Bradin Siskin




csiskin@edvista.com

A dictionary with pictures and audio annotations can easily be made by setting up a playlist in iTunes.

Here are the instructions:

1. Record an audio file for each word.

2. Save the audio file in mp3 format. (This may be done inside Audacity.) If you have a .wav file, you can also convert it inside iTunes:

    • Go to the "Advanced" menu.
    • Select "Convert selection to MP3."
    • Select the file.

3. Import the audio files into iTunes.

    • Go to the "File" menu and select "import."
    • Select the file.

4. Create a new playlist in iTunes.

    • Go to the "File" menu and select "New Playlist."
    • A new "untitled playlist" will appear in the lefthand column.
    • Type in a name for the untitled playlist.

5. Put the audio files into the playlist.

    • Click on "Music" at the top of the list in the lefthand column. All of the audio files should appear on the right.
    • Scroll down to the new playlist on the left.
    • Select the new playlist.
    • Drag the names of the audio files over the new playlist.

6. Add a picture for each file. The pictures should be in .gif, .jpg, or .png format.

    • Click on the name of the playlist on the left.
    • Select an audio file.
    • Go to the "File" menu and select "Get Info." (A dialog box will appear.)
    • Select "Artwork" on the far right.
    • Click on the "Add.." button.
    • Select the file.
    • Click on "OK."

8. If you like, you can add a text annotation.

  • Click on the name of the playlist on the left.
  • Select an audio file.
  • Go to the "File" menu and select "Get Info." (A dialog box will appear.)
  • Click on "Lyrics" and type in the text.

7. Repeat the same process for all the other audio files.

Resources:

Audacity: http://audacity.sourceforge.net/

Language Teaching Clipart Library at the University of Victoria: http://hcmc.uvic.ca/clipart/

iTunes: http://www.apple.com/itunes/download/


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Last modified: October 15, 2009