Play of the Week--QR Codes

Quick Response Codes or QR codes are popping up everywhere.  You see them in magazines, coupons, billboards, business cards, and items in the grocery store.  Just what are these funny looking squares of dots?  A QR code is just like the bar codes you see on merchandise.  Each QR code is embedded with information that can be scanned by a smartphone, iPod Touch, or iPad 2 that have cameras and a QR code reader app installed.  You simply download the app (QRafter is one of my favorites), open the app, and scan the square.  What happens next is based on what the bar code was programed to display on your device.  It could be a URL, text, picture, phone number, email address, or calendar date.  It is a quick way to get information into your mobile device.  QR codes are even popping up in the "dating scene" to get your 411 to the next person's smart phone.

So, how would you use a QR code in your classroom?  Imagine setting up a scavenger hunt where the students take an iPod touch around the school and scan for interesting facts about a historic figure.   Or Get to know your school and school personnel by having QR codes throughout your building for students to find out who and why they might need to visit specific areas of the school.  Create a worksheet that allows students to research using the mobile devices without having to type in complicated URL's or doing open searching.  Create QR codes that take students on a virtual field trip.

How do you create your own QR code?  Actually it is very easy to create a QR code. Simply go to a QR code generator such as qrstuff.com and create.  Print out your codes to be used in word documents or websites.

Resources:  Apps:  qrafter, qr reader.  Websites:  qrstuff.com

(this qr code will take you to qrstuff.com)

Enjoy!!!!!  Teachers who have created QR code activities have found that the students were completely engaged in the activity.  If you need help creating a QR code activity, please see your friendly ITRT for help!!!!

*** Four Ways QR Codes Could Revolutionize Education