I am so excited to be writing my second blog post of the year on this wonderful blog. During my last post, you may remember that I offered to be your "virtual coach". I had several people who were interested in learning more about how to use QR codes in daily routines as well as how to create these cute little things. I decided to provide you with 10 ways to use QR codes in the classroom as well as step by step tutorials to help you get started. At the end of this post, you will find links to all of the resources discussed..
#1 - One of my favorite ways to use QR codes is to assist students in linking to websites for research purposes. Here is a picture of a kindergarten student trying out my American symbol research unit. Each day students learn about a different symbol. The first QR code sends students to images of the symbol to save to their camera roll and the other code sends them to a video to learn more about the symbol. Students then write, draw, or explain what they learned about the symbol by adding the information to their American symbol book using the Book Creator app. While this little unit is not quite ready for public viewing, I do have a butterfly research project that is similar. If you only have one iPad in your classroom, I always provide alternatives for student projects. Rather than creating research booklets using Book Creator, students have a hard copy to write on.
#2 - Another way I have used QR codes in the classroom is by using them for app smashing. During my Me on the Map geography unit, students use QR codes and Google Earth. Students take screenshots from Google Earth and then transfer their pictures to Pic Collage to create a collage that matches the pictures taken to the vocabulary students are learning from the unit. This is a great way to teach vocabulary to students and use multiple apps at the same time. Also known as an app smash.
#3 - Have you ever thought about using QR codes for behavior management? I created a behavior management system for one of my teachers and her students absolutely love it! QR codes are only one part of the system but allowing students to use the iPad can have a huge impact on student behavior and engagement.
#4 - In 21st century classrooms, it is important that we start thinking of ways to save students' online work. There are several ways to create digital portfolios but in the example below students add their best work to their blog. When the QR code is scanned from their display it takes the reader to their homepage with all of their projects.
These are ways that I have used QR codes but I asked teachers on my Facebook pages how they use QR codes in the classroom and here are some of their responses:
#5 - Kimberly said she has her kindergarten kids scan CVC words. Then they have to read/blend and draw a picture of the word. For math, she has her students scan a number and then fill out a 10 frame to match.
#6 - Brittany said she has QR codes in a listening center. Students love to scan the QR code to listen to a story read aloud or watch a short video of the book.
#7 - Deniece uses QR codes for scavenger hunts. Stations are set up around the room that have questions students answer about a specific topic and then scan to find the answer.
#8 - Cassie uses QR codes in her centers for students to find rhyming words and to solve math word problems.
#9 - What about QR codes for mother's day? Jude says she uses them for mother's day presents. Students record a nice video for their moms. What a great gift!
#10 - One really great idea was from one of my model classroom teachers. Amanda suggested creating QR codes to direct administrators to lesson plans rather than having to print them off. She also thought it would be great to provide a QR code that would link to a Google form to allow the administrators to leave feedback of their visit. The feedback would be sent to a spreadsheet that is shared among the administrators and the teacher. Isn't that a great idea?
So there you have it...10 ways to use QR codes in the classroom. However, I know for some of you you are thinking, "The ideas are great but I have no idea how to make this work in the classroom." Well have no fear, I have created how-to videos to help you get started. I found this nifty little tool the other day called Minilogs. I thought it would be a great way to share the videos and resources I have created for using QR codes in the classroom. Just click on the play button to get started.
If after you have read this post, checked out the resources I provided and you still feel you need more assistance, just click on the picture below to let me know what your needs are and I will do what I can to help.
How do you use QR codes in the classroom? I would love to hear other ideas.
WOW, this is amazing stuff! I am just learning about QR codes, but you make it so easy and interesting! Thanks for the detailed and informative post!
ReplyDeleteThanks, Brenda! I appreciate your sweet words. I hope these resources will help you get started with using QR codes with your students.
DeleteThis is a very helpful post!! You make learning with QR codes look like so much fun! The kids are so lucky to have someone like you at their school. Keep us posted about all of your technology ideas:) Love it!
ReplyDeleteThanks again, Jackie jmcmanam@w-sioux.k12.ia.us
That is so nice of you to say. Thank you very much! The kids love using QR codes in the classroom so I hope this will be just what you need to feel more comfortable with creating your own.
DeleteLove this list of ideas! Thanks Jen.
ReplyDeleteThanks, Nancy!
DeleteI absolutely love the idea of using QR codes connected to student portfolios. I also love you pictures of the kids holding the ipod with the QR code for the display. Can you tell me how you put that together? What size are the pics of their heads?
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! I used Pages, but PowerPoint would work too! The body was made using digital chalkboard paper with their name written using KG Second Chances Sketch in a bright neon color. I added a rectangle in the middle of the paper and added Ashley Hughes iPod clipart and layered the QR code that when scanned takes you to their blog on top. The legs, hands, and shoes were just cut from construction paper. As for the head, I had to use Photoshop. I just cut out their head and added the headphones to their head. The head was saved as a png or jpg file and added to an 11x8.5 slide (landscape) to print.
DeleteLove this post Jen! Thanks for sharing all these ideas--now I've got even more ideas.
ReplyDeleteMatt
I've learned so many new QR codes from this one post! You're amazing Jen!!! I'm moving to 1st grade this year and will be teaching American Symbols, so I've been rereading your #1. I would love to find out more about this project as I'm super impressed that you show kindergarteners using Book Creator! Do you set it up for them and then they add the photos? Do they add text to their book? Do your students complete one symbol per day? I'm suer excited about the use of QR codes and iPad apps used in this project!
ReplyDeleteThanks so much! Basically the students scan the QR code and it takes them to an image search of appropriate images they can save to their camera roll. Then they can just add the pictures to Book Creator and write about what they know and/or make a video/audio recording. I do a symbol a day if possible.
DeleteI love the idea of a digital portfolio! Is there a particular blog site that you like to use?
ReplyDeleteWe used Kidblogs for students to add their work. It was super easy!
DeleteYour student digital portfolios are adorable!!
ReplyDeleteI am a school counselor in Fl. I was wondering if you could share your behavior management QR system with me? It looks amazing and I would love to share it.
ReplyDeleteI've used them for the following:
ReplyDeleteAsked teachers to read children's story and record themselves on video. Put the videos on Vimeo with a passcode. Made a QR Code linked to the video. In pages I made a poster for each story with the QR Code on it for students use. Placed the posters in kg through to year 4 as well a common area and the library for students across the school to access. The passcode was on each poster.
Student book reviews. Students write their reviews in the App and create a QR Code linked to the it. Print the review off and create a review board for students. Stick the codes on posters of the book or creator folder for them are three easy to achieve display options.
Maths location activity. Provide the students with a map of the school. They work in pairs. Object is to scan a code and follow solve the riddle to figure out where the next one is. Each ones location must be marked on the map. Students must take photos at the location and place it into a book creator book along the finished map and a review of the exercise.
For some further details see my blog - http://websurfersimon.edublogs.org
Nice article, I like the display of the codes. Nifty!
Hi! LOVE this idea... I am wondering if you still use kidblog? Our district got rid of it once it became something you had to pay for, I'm wondering if you still use it or if you found something else that works? thanks!
ReplyDelete