QR Codes: In the Classroom

I’ve written previously about QR Codes, what they are, and how we might use them. I’ve met and chatted with Andy Ramsden of Bath University and seen how they have integrated them into the assignment and feedback process. I saw two links this morning on Twitter that sparked my interest again, both from @psychemedia which has made me realise that I need to brain-dump my thoughts on how these wonderful little codes can be utilised in the classroom. But first … I have found that there is something about the QR Code generation we ought to know about; this is Using a QR Code Generator (like qrcode.kaywa.com) means you can have the code store either a short URL or your contact details as text. Example: The BIT.LY address for my blog is If I used the whole address of then I get this QR Code (ahh, it’s bigger!) So, with that out of the way, I get on with my thoughts about using QR Codes. How can we use them? Lecture Theatre and/or Presentation

QR Code Classroom Implementation Guide QR Codes (Quick Response Codes) are just barcodes. There is nothing fancy about them. Just like the grocery store clerk uses barcodes to look up the product and scan the price into the computer, your mobile device or computer can look up QR codes to: take you to a website, read some text, give you a phone number, or generate a text message. QR Codes in the Classroom For the classroom teacher, they are valuable for three reasons: They can save us time.They can save paper.They provide a link to mobile devices that help students do their homework and follow along. This Post. Preparing the Teacher to Use QR Codes The first step of a teaching journey is to embark on learning it yourself. Step 1 Get Your Mobile Device Ready: Download a Free QR Code Reader On my ipod Touch, the fast, free i-Nigma 4 QR code reader is the most robust of the five or six tested. Step 2: Get Your Computer Ready. You are ready. Common QR Code Problems Readers Step 3: The Lesson Start the lesson with a simple statement.

QR Huh? What The Heck Is A QR Code? Have you seen these around town where you are lately? I was a little surprised when I saw them all over the Black Friday ads back in November. This is a QR or Quick Response Code. Simply, put it is a 3D barcode. It's a much more sophisticated version of the barcode on your bag of Lays Potato Chips. First a video. In a nutshell, you need a device that has a camera so you can scan or take a picture of the code, a program to do the decoding and web access to see where the code takes you. Apps: You will need a reader installed on your phone. Why A QR Code: Because QR Codes can contain up to 4000 characters of information you can put a ton of information in just one code. One idea for use in the classroom (I will have more below) that comes to mind is books. Pretty cool huh? Creating QR Codes: Easy as (insert something you think is easy here). More Ideas For Education: I have been saving several websites as they come across on Twitter. Take some time and read up on some of this stuff.

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...

The Padagogy Wheelhouse | A collection of knowledge about the Padagogy Wheel and all things digital that enhance learning and teaching How to Use QR Codes in Student Projects Scannable bar codes may be just what you need to spark some student interest in your classroom - read on to learn how to use them to showcase your student work and give some life to your classroom's infographics. Last April ago I took a trip to Tokyo, Japan. One thing that really stood out to me there was the abundance of these scannable barcodes. These things were everywhere - flyers, posters, billboards, even in advertisements on the sides of commercial vans. Over the past few months, I've watched these codes gain popularity in the United States (If you're from another part of the world, I would love to hear about the trends you've seen - leave a comment). The world as we know it is becoming scannable. So, what is a QR code? How do I make a QR code? My favorite way to create them is with bit.ly, a free URL shortener that now automatically creates QR codes for your shortened URLs. How can I use QR Codes with my students? Bibliography of student work Inspirational quote up in your classroom?

QR Codes Improve Web Access In the last week I have finally had the opportunity to use Quick Response (QR) codes in my classroom. I have found them simple, straightforward and very effective in improving access to digital resources. I have been thinking about ideas to use QR codes in the classroom for a long while and many colleagues have joined me in contributing to a shared “Interesting Ways” resource. I have noticed that some people consider them to be exclusive to mobile devices. Another assumption I have spotted is that we use QR codes that are displayed (static) and we take the device to the code. We use the desktop version of the QuickMark software that is a free dowload. Now I did a mini experiment and monitored how many children had trouble loading a website that I gave them as a shortened (bit.ly) url – so not even the full address. I print lots of the same codes out and just let the children hold up a whole A4 sheet of them or little row of three of the same code backed onto card.

10 Ways to Use QR Codes in the Classroom QR Code Generator: QR Stuff Free Online QR Code Creator And Encoder For T-Shirts, Business Cards & Stickers 50 QR code resources for the classroom As mobile learning and technology is more readily integrated within classroom settings, QR codes can be used as an interesting method to capture a student's attention and make lesson material more interactive. Quick response codes, also known as 'QR' codes, are simple, scannable images that are a form of barcode. By scanning a QR code image through a mobile device, information can be accessed including text, links, bookmarks and email addresses. In the classroom, QR codes can be used in a variety of ways -- from conducting treasure hunts to creating modern CVs. Articles and tips 1.) 2.) 40 interesting ways to use QR codes in the classroom. 3.) 5 uses of QR codes in the classroom. 4.) 5.) 6.) 7.) 46 interesting ways to use QR Codes in the classroom. 8.) 75 Teched Out ways to say good job. 9.) 10.) Resources, software and lesson help 11.) 12.) 13.) 14.) 15.) 16.) 17.) 18.) 19.) 20.) 21.) 22.) 23.) 24.) 25.) 26.) 27.) 28.) 29.) 2 projects in math using QR codes. 30.) 31.) 33.) 34.) 35.) 36.)