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?

1. Get the web address of where you want to direct everyone.
2. What if this isn't a website?  

This is really easy if you use Google Drive.

1. Upload your image, PDF… into drive
2. Open the Share option. Share to view only (unless you want them to be able to edit your item) to anyone with the link.
3. Create the QR Code - Copy the link and paste it into a QR code maker.
1. The App Qrafter does this on the iPad
2. www.qrstuff.com/
3. www.qr-code-generator.com/
4. Google has an add-on in Sheets
1. 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

Cornell Notes: Note Taking Done Differently

Cornell Notes: Note Taking Done Differently

One method of note taking I really like to use with students is the Cornell method.   The basic form is a two column note taking method to summarize what is being studied.  You can print out a form, teach students how to create this in their notebook or share a Google Doc.  I really like the Google option since it is easy to share with me or other students and it is less likely to get lost.

I've modified the original version for my classroom.  

Most models include a two column note taking system.  I've modified mine into three.  I've also added a focus at the beginning.  I like to have students use "I" statements related to the standard : "I will learn the 3 causes of ..." 

They also need to restate the essential question so they have a focus point as they read or watch a video.

I give them the key concepts they will come across as they study.  They can add additional ones if they choose.

I use this quite often and the students seem to do a nice job. It is easy for me to evaluate what they are actually understanding from the assigned material.  I also like to let students do note comparisons with other students.

Here is the Google Doc.   

2 iPad Tips to Make Your Teaching Day More Efficient

2 iPad Tips to Make Your Teaching Day More Efficient

There are so many things we can do with iPads in the classroom.  I scarcely remember how I even taught B.i. (Before iPads).  Sometimes we work so hard to focus on ways to use them with students, I think we forget that these powerful devices can make our life easier as the teacher using our device.

Here are a couple of my favorite ways to use MY iPad to make my teaching world more efficient.

1. Two Minute Warning - Set the clock for a “two-minute” warning for end of each class period.  My students have become so accustomed to hearing two minute warning, they have stopped watching the clock and just wait for the alarm to go off each day.  Since my class is history, I use a song from the era we are studying as the alarm.  

         

Open the clock + a new Alarm Select the time - I like 2 minutes before the bell. Choose to repeat Name your alarm Pick a fun song that goes with your class.

2. Google Forms - Create and save Google Forms on your iPad Home Screen

OK - So I love Google forms anyway, let me just get that out of the way.  I use them all the time, personally and professionally.

Then, add on the easy tap of  a iPad icon for easy access to a form that I can use in class to do things such as track behaviors (good or bad), book sign out, library sign-out, quick grade sheet . . . the list goes on and on.  Life is good.

Create a form in Google forms (See some of my samples below. Send the form to yourself and open your email on your iPad. Open the form link in Safari to see the full form. Tap the share button and “Add to Home Screen”

Here are some sample forms that would be helpful at the touch of a finger:

Bad Behavior tracking  

Class participation

Training check in

Resource Check out (books…)
Modifications