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Communicate with QR codes in the classroom

january 25, 2023

Communicate with QR codes in the classroom

Canva QR-Code GeneratorWhether you are filling up for gas, eating at a restaurant, or opening up your mail, undoubtedly you have come across those square patterned emblems called QR codes. But what exactly is a QR code, and what is its purpose? A QR (Quick Response) code is a sophisticated code that can be scanned using a smartphone, tablet, or webcam. After reading the high-speed, two-dimensional QR code, it links to a Web address that contains related information or an audio or video file.

Consider taking advantage of this easy-to-use technology in planning your classroom instruction. After identifying/adding the content you want to link to on a particular website, use QR Stuff or Canva to generate a unique QR code. You can print that code on paper or download it as a graphic or even email it to someone. When someone scans the QR codes, it takes them directly to the website you linked to.

So what are the potential uses of QR codes in the classroom? Here are some great classroom applications to try.

  • School/classroom newsletters—Give your parents an inside peek into your classroom. Add QR codes to your school newsletter that link to photos of student work and activities from that week.
  • Beginning of the year procedures—Have this year’s students create short videos demonstrating procedures in the classroom. After uploading them to YouTube or a similar site, use the url address to create jumbo-sized QR codes. Print and display in the classroom so that next year’s students can scan while learning rules and expectations.
  • Literacy station integration—Upload a series of audio clips where you explain station objectives. Create a unique QR code for each audio clip. Display them at the stations for students to scan and access instructions as they rotate.

Use QR codes for book reviews

QR (Quick Response) codes are two-dimensional bar codes that can be scanned using a smartphone, tablet, or webcam. After reading the code, it links to a Web address that contains related information stored there, such as an audio or video file.

After-reading book reviews can experience an extreme overhaul with the integration of an audio or video recording. Upload the audio/video to a webpage and then create a QR code for that page. Print and place the QR code in the back inside cover of the book for future readers to scan when deciding whether they want to read the book.

Utilize QR codes within research posters

What exactly is a QR Code, and what is its purpose? A QR (Quick Response) code is a sophisticated, two-dimensional bar code that can be scanned using a smartphone, tablet, or webcam. After reading the high-speed, two-dimensional QR code, it links to a Web address that contains related information.

Offer this option to students as they conduct research projects. Instead of traditional report writing, consider having students follow the normal research process and then create mini-posters on their topics. Each mini-poster can include a QR code to link readers to already existing websites, videos, etc. for more information. (This would make a great interactive hallway bulletin board.)

You can print the code out on paper or download it as a graphic, allowing students to add the code to their research mini-posters.

Interactive Hallway Bulletin Board
Mini Poster Example

For more technology tools and resources, follow Nadine Gilkison, District Technology Integration Specialist K-12 Franklin Township Schools, @nadinegilkison on Twitter.

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