QR codes are everywhere. In retail stores. On gas station pumps. In bathrooms. They link to websites to read, YouTube videos to watch, apps to download, surveys to submit, or products to buy. The possibilities are endless. Thankfully, schools are beginning to allow students to use devices in the classroom through either BYOD (bring your own device, which will be addressed in a later new tech tuesday) or school-provided devices. This opens up the classroom to QR codes as well. And thank goodness for this because students LOVE the opportunity to scan a code as part of their schoolwork.
Join me on a 6-week adventure through QR codes and how they can be used in the classroom. Each Tuesday we will look at a different way to use QR codes and examine how this would work in various grade levels and content areas. This week we will look at ways to use QR codes as part of in-class activities and homework.
First, let's look at In-Class Activities:
- Scavenger Hunt: (Also known as a SCAN-venger hunt.) OK, so this is the typical and most common way I have seen QR codes being used in class. But that doesn't mean it can't be a great tool! This could be done in any grade level and any content. The students would start at one location and scan the code. It would either give them information or some sort of assignment to do. When they finished, they would be directed to the next code. When they would scan the next code, it would again either give information or a task and lead them to the next code. School wide this could be how new students are given a tour of the campus or classroom. In the classroom this could be used to show students where everything is located or complete an assignment or review over the previous day's work. This could easily be done in partners, groups, or as individuals. (We will look at how to create the QR codes in a few weeks as well as what equipment will be needed by students.)
- Stations: When moving in groups around the classroom, students could begin each station by scanning a QR code to watch a short video clip giving them instructions about what they should be doing. Then they can begin with minimal help or instruction from you. These clips could be a YouTube video or a video created by you or previous students as long as it is easy to understand. This would work best starting in 2nd grade and moving on up. Also works best with the subject areas that use stations the most, such as reading and math.
- Book Reviews: This works best in an elementary or middle school reading classroom that gives students time for reading on their own. Attach inside book covers QR codes that link to either written reviews or video reviews either by previous students or other teachers. You would want to establish procedures about how much time can be spent choosing a book, of course so that students don't spend the entire time watching review videos.
- Lesson Websites: If you are going to have your kids go to a website during a lesson, just put the QR code on the projector screen and the students can scan from anywhere in the room. If everyone has a device, they can all be in the right place exactly when they need to be. No more wasted time typing it in or clicking through links on your class website! This works in any classroom or content area as long as all students have a device.
- Activity pages: If you are working on something in class and have passed out a paper over it, add a QR code to the top of the page directing students to a helpful website, video, or maybe even the answer key to check when they are finished. You could also give them the ability to pull up your slides and follow along with you.
- Interactive Dice: You could easily put QR codes on dice. Then students can roll the dice to complete a task. This could translate to a board game or give their team points. This is a great way to incorporate QR codes and gaming in the classroom.
Now, let's look at ways to use QR codes for Homework:
- Answer Keys: Similar to activity pages discussed above, a QR code on top of a homework assignment could lead to an answer key. This is especially great in math (upper elementary up to high school) when students can check their answers but must have correct work to earn credit. It's a great way for students to find their mistakes and fix them to get the right answer.
- Multiple Choice Practice: QR codes can be put on assignments as multiple choice selections. For example, I created a QR code lesson where students differentiate between rational and irrational numbers. If they scan the rational number code and it is correct, the link takes them to a YouTube video that is short and celebrates that they got an answer correct. However, if they chose the irrational number code, the link would take them to a video of me explaining how to figure out that it was actually a rational number. (And vice versa for irrational numbers.) Basically students were given immediate feedback and instruction to correct their mistakes. This assignment really couldn't be taken for a grade, since there would not be a way of knowing how many they got right on the first try, but it's great practice and the students want to do it, because it involves their smart phone or tablet. You can download this assignment on rational and irrational numbers for FREE in my TPT store by clicking here. (There is a short preview below.)
- Review: At the end of a homework assignment, include a couple codes that link to further instructional videos where students can find extra help if they are still confused or not completely understanding the information.
Begin thinking now about ways to introduce QR codes into your classroom this fall. Write down your ideas to save for later as we go on to discuss other ways of using QR codes and how to create and view them.
Make sure to submit any questions about using QR codes in the classroom. I will respond and we can discuss new ways of using QR codes!
Happy Tuesday and happy coding!
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