QR Codes – What are they and how can I use them in my classroom? A QR Code is a type of barcode that is readable by dedicated QR barcode readers and camera telephones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded may be text, URL, or other data*. Like me, you may have seen these codes in newspapers and magazines, on promotional material, in the corner of posters and wondered what they were all about. A square that consists of black and white squares that looks like an out of focus pixilated image? What’s all that about? Well, while it may not have been the initial intent of this technology, QR Codes have unlimited potential in the classroom of the 21st century learner.
First, watch this short, fun video from a primary class in Queensland to get an idea of how QR Codes are being used in the classroom, and then keep reading. QR Codes can provide an alternative access format for students who need additional support in reading and writing. More ideas? MacBook iPad. QR Codes in the Classroom.
If you haven’t noticed, there has been an influx of strange black-and-white codes showing up all over the place. Restaurants, stores, movie theaters, magazines, and even on the side of buildings! What are they? They are called QR Codes, with the QR standing for Quick Response. Basically, they are bar codes on steroids. You can download a simple free app on your smartphone to be able to scan the code, which will then take you to a website, file, phone number, or wherever else the author of the code wants you to see. What does that mean for educators? QR Code Math Fun To create my worksheet, I had several steps to cover.
My next two steps involved the technology: getting the codes to go somewhere and creating the codes to drop into the page. While the actual product does take some time and effort, the result will be an activity you can use on a yearly basis. Now you are ready to rock and roll! Thanks so much to Mr. Charity L. Internet Catalogue. Internet Catalogue. Sites & Apps for creating QR codes. Tools Published on April 14th, 2014 | by Mark Anderson There are lots of different sites and apps for creating QR codes. Here are the ones that I use… Kaywa QR Code For a no nonsense, quick, easy to use website which enables you to create QR codes quickly and easily, this is the one for you. Be QRious Another site but this time with a few more options, such as size, colour of QR code and different types of QR code, this site gives you a number of great options.
Embed QR Codes in to pictures The site www.visualead.com enables you to create QR codes within pictures. QR Reader for iPad This isn’t my favourite QR App for iPad as I find in my experience that the App doesn’t scan as quickly as the next App I will mention. Qrafter The free version of this only scans, it won’t create QR codes although you can purchase the pro version.
As you’ll probably know, there are lots of different QR codes readers and generation tools out there. Tags: bit.ly, learning, QR, qr codes About the Author. Je m'appelle Madame: Using QR Codes to Enhance Learning. A teacher in the Spanish department was using QR codes the other day around her classroom and it got me thinking... what could I do with QR codes to enhance my lessons? Of course, once I start thinking about ideas, my mind doesn't shut off and I want to try it RIGHT NOW. We are fortunate enough to have a set of iPads in the library that can be checked out to teachers. Each iPad has a barcode reader on it that also reads the QR codes. I gave it a whirl today with my French 1s. This was an awesome activity. What I love about this is you can do QR codes with just about anything! You can also do QR codes that, when scanned, will speak to the students too. If you're interested in having a copy for yourself, get it HERE .
Tell a story with QR codes. In previous posts, I’ve described the basic elements of QR codes and some ways that QR codes can be used in education and in workplace training. Free QR code generators and readers abound and some general QR code tools can be found in this resource collection I created using Trailmeme. You can also find more guidance about using QR codes on this tip sheet created by the Webbmedia Group. QR codes and storytelling activities In addition to the uses I’ve described in previous posts, QR codes can be integrated into a larger instructional strategy that incorporates game play and storytelling. QR codes: the story doorway QR codes are a fun way to get learners to explore stories in non-traditional locations.This technique was used for two science fiction movies, District 9 and Inception (both great movies).
QR codes as part of alternative reality games (ARG) In other scenarios designed to promote learning, QR codes can be used as part of an Alternative Reality Game (ARG). Like this: Like Loading...