QR Codes

QR Codes are a great tool to use in your classroom.  QR stands for Quick Response and it is like a bar code.  The QR Code looks like a bunch of square dots that provide unique information to the user.  The QR Code can contain text and links that students can access through a QR Code reader that they can download on an iPad or iPhone.  The codes are also safe for students because they can only access what you allow them too through the QR Code so you don't have to worry about leading students astray.   

In order to create a QR code you need to go to a website that can generate one.  Type in QR Code generator in your web browser to find one that works for you.   I would start by creating a free account so you can save the QR Codes you create once you get to the website.  After you have created an account there are many options when it comes to what information you put into your QR Code.  Some of the most popular options that are listed on top of the QR generator website are URL, Text, PDF, and MP3.  For example, if you want to have the QR Code lead to a website you can copy and paste a link to a website into the generator.  After that you have to select whether you want it to be a Static or Dynamic code.  You'll want to make sure it's a static code so that the information that the QR code has doesn't change.  Then you have options when it comes to the frame, color, and logo you want.  This allows you to customize your QR Code to make it fun and interesting for your students.  You can then download and print your QR Code.

After you have a QR Code you need someway to read the code itself.  You should go on iTunes or the google app store and type in QR Code reader to find an app that you can use to read the codes.  Once you download the app you can open it up and allow it to access your camera in the device you're using.  Once you do this you can use the camera on the app to read the QR Code by having it capture the QR Code that you have created.  This will have it go to the information that is on the QR Code, thus, making it a fun and easy to use way to allow students to find information you want them to know.   

QR Codes can be a very effective tool to use in your classroom to keep students engaged.  You can print out QR codes that lead students to online books.  This allows them a link to the book that they can get to through their device and then listen too.  This is great for students to become independent and take ownership of their learning.  You can also create QR Codes with links to websites and information that you want students to learn about.  You can create packets about a famous person like Abe Lincoln and have QR Codes on the packet so students can use their QR Code reader to go to the websites and learn about the impact that person had on history.  You can also have QR Codes that lead students to fun and informational videos.  In the heavy technological world we live in today students love sitting back and watching videos to learn new information rather than just reading or writing down text. 

The sky is the limit with QR Codes because there are so many types of information you can incorporate into them.  Use them to help students take ownership of their learning and to encourage them to become independent learners.  Through the use of these QR Codes students will become more confident in their ability to do work themselves without help because this tool helps guide them through the process.  I would definitely encourage trying this tool out in your own classroom and let me know what you think? 

References
QR Code [Online Image] Retrieved from https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code

QR Code online books [Online Image] Retrieved from https://www.whatihavelearnedteaching.com/using-qr-codes-in-the-classroom/