QR Codes in the Classroom

This session was presented by Cynthia Karabush of Grayslake North High School at the ICE Conference 2012.

What is a QR code?

QR stands for Quick Response. A QR code is a black & white or colored two-dimensional square shaped graphic that contains information that can be scanned using a QR reader app on your smartphone, iTouch, or tablet. QR codes are used in advertising to provide more information about a product, provide deals not found elsewhere, and even track the effectiveness of an advertisement. QR codes can also be used to

• provide basic contact information
• open up maps
• provide a video greeting on YouTube
• link to your blog, resume, Facebook page, or your LinkedIn profile

You can even live on in eternity by having a QR code added to your grave site headstone that will take the viewer to a picture of you, your family history, a video of your life, etc.

Uses of QR codes in Education

QR codes pack a lot of information into a small area which makes them useful for a variety of educational purposes. I think one of the nicest features of a QR code is that it will take the viewer directly to what it is I want them to see and removes the time one might otherwise spend conducting a Google search for the same or similar information.

• Add a QR code to the inside cover of library books that link to authors, interviews, student reviews (written, audio, or video), or book trailers.
• Provide codes on handouts that take students to online tutorials, e.g., Khan Academy videos
• Scavenger hunts for information
• Flip your science classroom and use the code to take students to a video of your pre-lab demonstration they can watch before coming to class.
• Codes next to displayed art work can provide information about what inspired the artist to create the piece, provide some background on the artist, etc.
• Provide parents with information about faculty and administration during an Open House
• Create an athletic/activity QR code chart that provides information or updates
• Recipes!
• Add to maps that provide information about a location
• Create a par course of activities where people move around and learn about topics at their own pace. For example, have codes at exercise equipment stations that take students to videos showing proper use of the equipment and exercises that can be done with the equipment.

The link to this presentation provides additional uses. Below are some additional sites that I felt provide very creative uses of QR codes:

• http://theohiobloke.edu.glogster.com/qr-codes-in-education
• http://www.livebinders.com/play/play_or_edit/51894

QR code generators

http://www.qrstuff.com/index.html

http://zxing.appspot.com/generator/

many others exist....

QR code readers

The presenter recommends http://www.i-nigma.com/i-nigmahp.html. I also like QR Reader for iPhone. Another reader that seems highly recommended is NeoReader.

How do you think you might use QR codes with your students?

This post is cross-posted at the District 211 Technology blog.