Saturday, January 21, 2012

QR Codes in the Classroom


I have been exploring all the possibilities of using QR codes in my classroom.  Next week, I plan to teach my 4th graders how to create their very own QR code and embed it into their blog.  A QR code is a  bar code you scan that takes you to a site on the internet.  What a safe way to have students get exactly where you want them to go and not worry about them misspelling words that take in the wrong direction.  All you need is a bar code scanner found in the app store.  There are many different ones that are free.  The bar code to the left will take you to my teacher webpage.  Here are a few ideas on how you can use QR codes in your classroom:

1. Extention activities:  print QR codes on index cards for students to scan and take them to specific sites for online Math activities, research material, etc.
2. Famous People you study in class: Each code will take them to a site that students can read and research about that specific person in history.
3. Incentives:  Create different codes that will be a surprise to the student until they scan the bar code that says, "Free Homework Pass" or "Sit by a Friend today". 
4. Checking their Homework:  The QR code will be a scanned picture of the answer key to their assignment. Once scanned, they will have all the answers revealed to reflect on how they did on the assignment.
5.  Scavenger Hunts:  Students scan and reveal clues or pictures that they can add to their list of items they are hunting for.
6. Vocabulary:  Students walk around the room scanning posted codes or use bar codes on index cards during literacy stations to reveal the definition to new vocabulary.

My mind can't stop thinking of all the ways to use QR codes in the classroom.  Please leave a comment if you have any ideas for using QR codes.  What a fun way to learn and move around a Techie Classroom!  I wish I had these opportunities as a child.