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Sometimes sending files between devices is a right faff. But with the Chirp app for iPad, you can send photos, videos and other files between devices with a mere chaffinch-like chirping audio clip...
What is Chirp for iPad?
Chirp (Animal Systems, free) is a simple file sharing app that uses sound to transfer images, gifs, PDFs, and now video, over the air between iOS devices. The technology behind how it actually does this still baffles me (something about data in the files being turned into audio clips, which are then picked up and decoded by other Chirp users and converted into links to the original files), but the little birdsong flourish, or 'chirp', emitted when you send and receive a file is pleasing enough to not have to worry about its inner workings.
How can it benefit the classroom?
It may seem like a bit of a novelty (a pretty impressive one at that) like the fist-bumping transfer app Bump, but Chirp actually has a lot of practical benefits over other file sharing apps or messaging services. It's easy to use for a start – you just open the app, tap the '+' button, add your required media from your Camera Roll or create a note, take a photo or video from directly within the app, then tap the little lightning bolt button to send it out as an audio signal. Recipients just need to be running Chirp themselves to pick up the file.
The other big benefit we can see for education is security. Unlike some apps, such as WhatsApp, that use an email address or phone number as a user ID to actually send media, all Chirp requires is for both users to be on a WiFi or cellular network. There's no sign-in via social media, no user profile to create, and not even any need for Bluetooth – each chirp is a one-time transfer to devices whose microphone can pick up the audio signal. Also, no data is stored on Chirp's servers.
What's the best feature?
While Chirp is intended as a quick way of transferring media to anyone in a close proximity, the audio functionality on which it's based actually lends itself to wider usage. For example, you could send students files such as PDF worksheets by Chirping over the classroom's TV, over a school PA system, or even over Skype or FaceTime. Although, we have found it does work best when the devices are closer together.
Where can I get it?
Chirp is completely free, and you can download it from the App Store on your iPad or from iTunes.
Want to know more about our favourite apps and Apple iPad for the classroom? Get in touch with the team on 03332 409 306, email education@Jigsaw24.com, follow @Jigsaw24Edu on Twitter or ‘Like’ our Facebook page for all the latest technology in education news, reviews and articles.