Friday, February 22, 2013

Using QR Codes in the Classroom

I am always trawling the net to find new and innovative ideas to use in the classroom.  I have known about QR codes for some time now and decided to begin creating a short list on how to use them in the classroom.

For Educators:
 Instead of having students type in a long website, create a QR code to make it easier for them to visit the site.  For example, creating a QR code to the Edcanvas lesson I created for my class. They can view the canvas on a mobile device or an ipad.  

I went on the web to see how others might be using QR codes and I stumbled upon a blogger (Monica Burns) who has other ideas listed as well.
She writes:
How QR codes can make a difference in the classroom

 1. Eliminate the Frustration of Long Web Addresses

Instead of asking students to type in a long web address where they could easily make mistakes, a QR code will take them straight to a website. It's easy to type in USAToday.com, but directing students to a specific article might require them to type in a combination of case sensitive letters and numbers. QR codes are perfect for students of all ages, but especially for children with special needs and those students who are easily frustrated.

2. Take Students Directly to a Designated Website

We all want to avoid using search engines that might bring our students to the wrong website. This direct approach also limits their exposure to similar sites that might not be kid-friendly. You can create a list of QR codes for websites to make Internet research easier for students.

3. Save Time

Instead of waiting for each student to type in a long web address, they can all quickly scan the QR code. You won't have to waste valuable minutes from your lesson because all students will be on task and viewing the correct website in seconds. Try projecting the QR code on the board or printing just one QR code for each table of students to save yourself the time of making extra copies.

4. QR Codes are Easy to Make

Websites like Qurify.com allow you to generate your own QR code for free. Copy and paste a long web address, and they’ll create a code that is unique to that particular website. You can save, print and distribute the QR code to students.

5. Change Up Your Normal Routine

I love to keep things new and exciting for my students. Try creating scavenger hunts that will get your students to visit a variety of websites to gather information on a topic. Get students engaged and moving by placing QR codes in different parts of your classroom or school building.