Technology Tool #3: QR Codes

QR CODES

In the last year, one of the neatest technology tools that I learned about were QR codes.  I used to see these everywhere and thought that they were these super complex images that only computer geniuses could make.  Well, I was wrong, very wrong!  QR codes are one of the easiest and quickest ways to share links to portable devices. 

Even kindergarten classes now seem to be using portable devices more and more.  However, for students who cannot spell, finding an internet site on a topic that is being discussed in class could be difficult.  That is where QR codes come in.  Using a QR code scanner, which is available for free on almost all devices, student can simply scan the code and it navigates them to the intended site.  For instance, if you were doing a unit on dinosaurs and students wanted to learn more through watching an online video, they could simply scan the code under and image of a particular type of dinosaur and press play.   Grab your device and scan the code besides this paragraph to see what I mean.

Scan here to watch a
video tutorial on creating
QR Codes

How easy is it?  Well let me show you in 6 easy steps.

1. Find an internet site that you would like to link to a QR Code and copy the URL.
2. Search "Google Shortener" in web browser and click on the first link.
3. Paste URL where it asks you to paste it.
4. Click "Shorten URL"
5. Click on details beside the shortened URL.
6. You will see a QR code, right click and "Save image as"
7. Scan with portable devices to see if it links properly.  

This tools can be used in many different way in the classroom.  For instance;

More Ideas

• students can create a 21st century resume linking codes on their resume to their professional blogs
• codes can link to exemplars, addition information and notes
• codes can be used to set up learning stations
• codes can be used to link extra information to assignments such as infographics.   

These are only a few examples of how this tool can be used throughout the K-12 setting.  Click here or scan the QR code labeled "More Ideas" for a great website that really captures a wide array of uses for these codes in education.

The impact of this tool across the K-12 setting is that is allows us to link information quickly to our handheld devices.  With some creativity, we can manufacture lessons that are more engaging to students while at the same time remarkably informative.  In addition, as handheld devices become more and more prevalent, this can lead to less paper being used in the classroom and a more positive affect on the environment, as well as a cost saving for the educational system.  The great thing about these codes are that they can be used by all grade for a variety of different reasons.  This is just one more tool that puts learning at the tip of your finger.