A QR Code is a type of barcode that is readable by dedicated QR barcode
readers and camera telephones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a
square pattern on a white background. The information encoded may be text, URL,
or other data*.
Like me, you may have seen these codes in newspapers and magazines, on
promotional material, in the corner of posters and wondered what they were all
about. A square that consists of black and white squares that looks like an out
of focus pixilated image? What’s all that about? Well, while it may not have
been the initial intent of this technology, QR Codes have unlimited potential in
the classroom of the 21st century learner.
First, watch this short, fun video from a primary class in Queensland to get
an idea of how QR Codes are being used in the classroom, and then keep
reading.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSA3YsBy_pU
QR Codes can provide an alternative access format for students who need
additional support in reading and writing. Using handheld devices e.g. iPad,
Smartphone, or a computer students are able to quickly gain access to
information while also incorporating the use of their own literacy support apps
or software. For example, having trouble typing in a long, complicated URL – use
a QR Code to navigate to the website instantly without typing. Or, need a read
the instructions for a task set by the teacher – scan the QR Code created for
these instructions using your iPad and use your text-to-speech app.
The way QR Codes can be used in the classroom is only limited by our own and
our students’ imagination. A couple of ways to use QR Codes include:
Take students to websites without the need to type in an URL.
- Provide information ‘hot spots’ throughout the classroom to access online
videos, websites, text that is related to curriculum and instructional
material. - Adapt text/books by including QR Codes – providing additional information
via text, video and audio - Adapt text/books by including QR Codes – providing text or audio in an
alternative language - Attach QR Codes to the classroom calendar / timetable to point to
information about upcoming class events, assessment reminders, etc. - Take students to a website you are browsing on an interactive whiteboard.
Using the Mobile Barcoder add-on for the Firefox web browser, quickly generate a
QR Code and have students scan with their own hand held device. - QR Code scavenger hunt eg http://ilearntechnology.com/?p=4211
More ideas? Here are a few links that explore the use of QR Codes in the
classroom:
QR Codes in the Classroom
http://www.coetail.asia/geoffodell/2011/04/01/qr-codes-in-the-classroom/
QR Codes Improve Web Access
http://edte.ch/blog/2010/11/25/qr-codes-improve-web-access/
QR Codes in Education
http://www.iste.org/connect/iste-connects/blog-detail/11-01-12/Using_QR_Codes_in_Education.aspx
10 Ways to Use QR Codes in the Classroom
http://www.classroominthecloud.net/2011/06/10-ways-to-use-qr-codes-in-classroom.html
QR Codes as Assistive Technology
http://otswithapps.wordpress.com/2012/01/01/qr-codes-as-assistive-technology/
Teaching with QR Codes
http://www.scoop.it/t/teaching-with-qr-codes
QR Codes: Learning technology
http://www.dontwasteyourtime.co.uk/presentations/qr-codes-learning-technology-qrcode/
10 Ways to Use QR Codes in the Classroom
http://www.classroominthecloud.net/2011/06/10-ways-to-use-qr-codes-in-classroom.html
What do you need to get up and going with QR Codes?
First, a QR Code Generator.
A number of free and relatively inexpensive QR generators are available.
Codes can be created to be either printed out or displayed on screen.
MacBook
QR-Generator
QRGen
Mobile Barcoder
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/mobile-barcoder/
iPad
QR Code Reader and Creator
Qrafter – QR Code Reader and Generator
Generating a QR Code in a browser
QR Voice
http://qrvoice.net/
QR Code Generator from the ZXing Project
http://zxing.appspot.com/generator
Mobile Barcoder
http://qrcode.kaywa.com/
OK, so you have created QR Codes and now your students need access to them. A
QR Code Reader is required if not already included with your QR
Code generator. Students can access QR codes using a computer or a mobile
device, as long as either has a camera available to scan the code.
MacBook
QuickMark
http://www.quickmark.com.tw/En/basic/index.asp
QRreader
http://www.dansl.net/blog/?p=256
iPad
QR Reader for iPhone
QR Code Reader and Scanner
QR Code City
Useful online resources:
- 43 Interesting Ways to Use QR Codes in
the Classroom - Code and Chips Please
- A Primary Deputy Head writes about
using QR codes in his class - QR Codes: In the
Classroom - QR Codes in Education