QR codes (quick response codes), alongside iPads and iPhones, are becoming increasingly popular. We see them everywhere from commercial packaging to advertisements. You can create QR codes using free apps such as QuickMark and QRReader or websites such as Unitag (click here for a YouTube video I have created explaining how to use Unitag). QR codes can be scanned and take you to a website, show text, a video and so much more – providing an interactive experience.
The excitement and motivation a simple tool can elicit in students is incredible.
QR codes have great potential to enhance learning and motivation in the classroom. They can simply change a simple task to something more exciting or create entirely new possibilities. Below is a simple list of ways that I have and/or endeavour to incorporate QR codes into my teaching.
- Students receive questions to answer and the QR code provides the correct answer.
- Students research a topic and create a poster using QR codes to present their information.
- Rather than students typing in a long URL provided by the teacher, they can simply scan the provided QR code.
- Create interactive displays and posters in the classroom – if they were simply written they are unlikely to be read by the students.
- Questions and answers are embedded in separate QR codes which are placed around the room for students to scan and match the question to the answer.
Click here for an article from Edutopia about using QR codes to differentiate instruction.
There are also many products on Teachers Pay Teachers that you can purchase with QR codes already on them. Click here to read about some.
In the YouTube clip below, Karen Mensing provides some great ideas for the use of QR codes in the classroom.
How will you incorporate QR codes into your teaching?