A QR Code is a type of barcode that is readable by dedicated QR barcode readers and camera telephones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded may be text, URL, or other data*.
Like me, you may have seen these codes in newspapers and magazines, on promotional material, in the corner of posters and wondered what they were all about. A square that consists of black and white squares that looks like an out of focus pixilated image? What’s all that about? Well, while it may not have been the initial intent of this technology, QR Codes have unlimited potential in the classroom of the 21st century learner.
First, watch this short, fun video from a primary class in Queensland to get an idea of how QR Codes are being used in the classroom, and then keep reading.
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hSA3YsBy_pU
QR Codes can provide an alternative access format for students who need additional support in reading and writing. Using handheld devices e.g. iPad, Smartphone, or a computer students are able to quickly gain access to information while also incorporating the use of their own literacy support apps or software. For example, having trouble typing in a long, complicated URL – use a QR Code to navigate to the website instantly without typing. Or, need a read the instructions for a task set by the teacher – scan the QR Code created for these instructions using your iPad and use your text-to-speech app.
The way QR Codes can be used in the classroom is only limited by our own and our students’ imagination. A couple of ways to use QR Codes include:
- Take students to websites without the need to type in an URL.
- Provide information ‘hot spots’ throughout the classroom to access online videos, websites, text that is related to curriculum and instructional material.
- Adapt text/books by including QR Codes – providing additional information via text, video and audio
- Adapt text/books by including QR Codes – providing text or audio in an alternative language
- Attach QR Codes to the classroom calendar / timetable to point to information about upcoming class events, assessment reminders, etc.
- Take students to a website you are browsing on an interactive whiteboard. Using the Mobile Barcoder add-on for the Firefox web browser, quickly generate a QR Code and have students scan with their own hand held device.
- QR Code scavenger hunt eg http://ilearntechnology.com/?p=4211
More ideas? Here are a few links that explore the use of QR Codes in the classroom:
QR Codes in the Classroom
http://www.coetail.asia/geoffodell/2011/04/01/qr-codes-in-the-classroom/
QR Codes Improve Web Access
http://edte.ch/blog/2010/11/25/qr-codes-improve-web-access/
QR Codes in Education
http://www.iste.org/connect/iste-connects/blog-detail/11-01-12/Using_QR_Codes_in_Education.aspx
10 Ways to Use QR Codes in the Classroom
http://www.classroominthecloud.net/2011/06/10-ways-to-use-qr-codes-in-classroom.html
QR Codes as Assistive Technology
http://otswithapps.wordpress.com/2012/01/01/qr-codes-as-assistive-technology/
Teaching with QR Codes
http://www.scoop.it/t/teaching-with-qr-codes
QR Codes: Learning technology
http://www.dontwasteyourtime.co.uk/presentations/qr-codes-learning-technology-qrcode/
10 Ways to Use QR Codes in the Classroom
http://www.classroominthecloud.net/2011/06/10-ways-to-use-qr-codes-in-classroom.html
What do you need to get up and going with QR Codes?
First, a QR Code Generator.
A number of free and relatively inexpensive QR generators are available. Codes can be created to be either printed out or displayed on screen.
MacBook
QR-Generator
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/qr-generator/id418135939?mt=12
QRGen
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/qrgen/id422657945?mt=12
Mobile Barcoder
https://addons.mozilla.org/en-US/firefox/addon/mobile-barcoder/
iPad
QR Code Reader and Creator
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/qr-code-reader-and-creator/id436182189?mt=8
Qrafter – QR Code Reader and Generator
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/qrafter-qr-code-reader-generator/id416098700?mt=8
Generating a QR Code in a browser
QR Voice
http://qrvoice.net/
QR Code Generator from the ZXing Project
http://zxing.appspot.com/generator
Mobile Barcoder
http://qrcode.kaywa.com/
OK, so you have created QR Codes and now your students need access to them. A QR Code Reader is required if not already included with your QR Code generator. Students can access QR codes using a computer or a mobile device, as long as either has a camera available to scan the code.
MacBook
QuickMark
http://www.quickmark.com.tw/En/basic/index.asp
QRreader
http://www.dansl.net/blog/?p=256
iPad
QR Reader for iPhone
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/qr-reader-for-iphone/id368494609?mt=8
QR Code Reader and Scanner
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/qr-code-reader-and-scanner/id388175979?mt=8
QR Code City
http://itunes.apple.com/au/app/scan/id411206394?mt=8
Start using QR Codes in your classroom and explore the possibilities. If you are already using this technology to support the diverse learners in your classroom, I would love to hear your success stories.
*Wikipedia, http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code
Hi Greg
I agree with everything you’ve said. I’ve been targeting our school libraries to get them interested in using QR Codes. eg You have a new book just arrived in your library? Find some book reviews, create the QR Code and place on the shelf with the book. Even better are movie trailers eg Tomorrow when the war began is a popular book and since it has been made into a movie, you can now provide a QR Code to the movie trailer.
Great ideas Jeanette. I am adding them to my list. Here is another, additional support for a task by providing a QR Code to a video demonstration via YouTube.
We had lots of fun introducing QR codes at the School Library Conference (Western Australia). This image of an can even be scanned from the computer image.
Hi Jean. Thanks for your comment. I tried accessing the image of the edible QR Code on a cake but Flickr is saying it is private.
Sorry Greg. I’m still getting to know my new phone. I have changed the permissions; the photo should be public now:)QR codes offer many opportunites to link the curiosity learners have about their physical surroundings to the wealth of multimodal information availalble online. Great assistive technology tools and really useful in early childhood classrooms where students may not read or type fluently. makes me wish I was still in a classroom
Jean
Great to access your Fickr page Jean. As a result I discovered your Glog – http://janning.edu.glogster.com/slcwa-2011-qr-codes/ which contains fantastic QR Code resources to support classrooms use. Thanks for sharing!
Pingback: QR Codes – What are they and how can I use them in my classroom? | The Spectronics Blog « TeacherRogers' Blog
Appreciate the comments from Stewart Bark @ http://bit.ly/pO6W2m
Pingback: I love me some QR. « Stofer2's Blog
Hey Jennifer, thanks for your comments @ http://stofer2.wordpress.com/
Cheers, Greg.
I’ve started working with QR codes and they are super easy to work with for adapting books. It is so amazing to think we can take any book and add sound, video, signed video, a website for more info….and so much more to a piece of paper. Hmmm – is this what it’s like in Harry Potters workd?
Dan
Hey Dan, you’re right. Replace Harry’s wand with a portable device with a QR Code Reader installed and you have access to another world of information apart from what is locked on the printed page. Alohomora!
ooops – World!
Hi Greg,
This sounds interesting. I share similar passion to help children with special needs. Where you can be reached by phone?
Paul Mehta
New York
Hi Paul. Thanks for the comment. I see that you are in New York, while here at Spectronics we are located in Brisbane, Queensland, Australia. So maybe my email may be a better way to make contact in the first instance – grego@spectronics.com.au .As well my Twitter tag is twitter.com/gregoconnor if you would like to make contact via Twitter.
Cheers
Greg.
Pingback: QR Codes – What are they and how can I use them in my classroom? | The Spectronics Blog | Nursing Education | Scoop.it
Pingback: QR Codes – What are they and how can I use them in my classroom? | The Spectronics Blog | Teaching with QR Codes | Scoop.it
G’day Greg,
I love the idea of QR Codes and want to use them in my classroom. But I have an iPad 1 and a laptop. Can you please help me find the right generator for my laptop? There’s lots out there and I’m starting to get confused! Ha! Thanks.
Julie
HI Julie
Check out Kathy Schrock’s “Guide to Everything” website page on QR codes – http://www.schrockguide.net/qr-codes-in-the-classroom.html. She lists a bunch of QR code generators for windows, such as this one from iCandy http://icandy.ricohinnovations.com/rocket2/index.php/download.
You also can generator codes via the web browser on your laptop eg Firefox or Internet Explorer. See the section “Generating a QR Code in a browser” in my blog for examples.
Cheers and happy QR coding
Greg
Pingback: World’s youngest QR code promoter? » QR Codeworld