CreatiVisions in Education: Think (Or Rethink) About Using QR Codes to Quickly Engage Students

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.
Treasure hunt ( sample)
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/
www.qr-code-generator.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…