A QR Code (Quick Response Code) is like a bar code, that when scanned will take a user to a website, give contact information, or share other information as instructed by the creator. Think the barcodes scanned at the register of a store that rings up items.
For example if you scan this code it would bring you to my blog:
This code gives you my contact information:
To create these qr codes I used https://www.the-qrcode-generator.com/ . There are many generators on the web, some create codes in colors, in shapes, and using special details.
Any device with a camera can have a qr code reader downloaded, whether Android or iOS. There are many options available, go to your store and search.
So how does this apply to education?
One of my favorite uses for QR codes is having students create book reports in video, audio, or word form, then connecting the report to a QR code, printing the code, and taping the code in the book. This allows prospective readers to hear/see what other readers say about the book. How powerful is that?!
I also had students create a QR code interactive map of ST Augustine after our field trip. Students had to create one contact code for a place we visited, one URL code for a stop on our trip, and one picture/video QR code to share their favorite part of the trip. These codes were printed and attached to a map so parents, teachers, and students could “see” our trip.
A fellow educator sets up center with QR code instructions. Centers are explained at the beginning of the week, but if students need a refresher on what to do, they scan the code and hear the directions again.
At a conference I heard about teachers using QR codes to create museums of students’ work. Students video or audio record a report to go with a visual representation. Viewers scan the code and hear what the students have learned .
In Math, QR codes can be used as a way for students to get extra help solving problems. Teachers or fellow students record themselves solving problems during class and then link the video to QR codes. The codes are printed and attached to workbooks or textbooks. When students are completing homework, they scan codes if they need help remembering the way to solve problems.
When students do presentations, parents , other classes, and other teachers are not always able to attend. Teachers can record presentations, link to a QR code, then copy the codes and paste them to a word document. The teacher can then print the document and post on a bulletin board for others to scan or email the document to the families and teachers.
Want to know more?
EdTech Guru Kathy Schrock has this article about QR codes http://www.schrockguide.net/qr-codes-in-the-classroom.html
The amazing Richard Byrne posted this on his blog http://www.freetech4teachers.com/2014/03/by-request-five-ways-to-create-and-use.html
Stephen Anderson, aka web20classroom, has this livebinder about QR codes http://www.livebinders.com/play/play/51894
How do you use QR codes? Share your ideas in the comments! Have a request for future Monday Tech Minute posts…email me! nancypenchev@gmail.com