QUICK START TO YOUR LESSON/ACTIVITY
It’s spring. I don’t know about you, but especially this time of year, I will try anything to keep students focused and on track. QR codes are a nice option for that.
What is a QR Code?
A QR code (Quick read code) is the barcode that will direct you to another site/resource simply by scanning or pointing the camera at it.
QR Codes work great to get the class/group started promptly with a QR image projected as students (of any age) enter the classroom. You could even have a printed QR code taped to your door. Students simply point the iPad ( or any device with a camera) at the code with a QR code reader app open (Qrafter or QR Reader both work well)
- Great for both younger and older students (including staff)
- Avoid the lost time of logins, forgotten passwords, mistyped words/web addresses….
- Avoid: lost class time, repeating directions, waiting for stragglers…
- Use it to allow for movement during your class/session.
Ideas for use:
- Today's into, Jump Start/Bell Work, essential question, images, Google of the day...
- Go directly to a presentation, Google form, website, article, PDF … (Remember anything you put into your Google drive can be shared)
- “Day/Week At a Glance” Calendar/reminders
- Review game to get started (Quizziz, Kahoot, Jeopardy Labs…)
- Humor for the day (see sample at the bottom)
- Various steps to your activity, post QR codes around your room (they can link to Google Docs with directions or activities)
- A Google form that needs to be completed when homework isn't done
- A Google form for questions students have at the end of the day.
- Exit ticket (See sample at the bottom)
- Brainstorm - as on a Padlet (See example below)
- Sub lesson - make things easy for both the guest teacher and the students. (check out this sample sub lesson plan - Which is actually a lesson about Hyper Docs)
How do Get/Create a QR Code?
- Get the web address of where you want to direct everyone.
- What if this isn't a website?
This is really easy if you use Google Drive.
- Upload your image, PDF… into drive
- Open the Share option. Share to view only (unless you want them to be able to edit your item) to anyone with the link.
- Create the QR Code - Copy the link and paste it into a QR code maker.
- The App Qrafter does this on the iPad
- www.qrstuff.com/
- Google has an add-on in Sheets
- Copy the QR code and post it.
Administrators - I challenge you to try this too.
- Have a QR code at your next staff meeting.
- Remind staff to bring their iPads (or have some available)
- Make sure they have a QR code reader installed (we push Qrafter to all district managed iPads)
- Have your agenda, a signup sheet, a intro cartoon, an interesting article…
More Samples:
Exit Ticket (this is a page at the end of the slide presentation for the day)
Humor of the day.
Padlet - Share you ideas
