Q.R.Codes

Q.R. Codes are certainly not new, but many teachers are now using them in the classroom to enhance their own teaching and learning styles.  Here are a few examples of how I use them in my classroom.

• What is a Q.R. Code?  

• They come to us from Japan where they are very common. QR is short for Quick Response (they can be read quickly by a cell phone). They are used to take a piece of information from a transitory media and put it in to your cell phone. You may soon see QR Codes in a magazine advert, on a billboard, a web page or even on someone’s t-shirt. Once it is in your cell phone, it may give you details about that business (allowing users to search for nearby locations), or details about the person wearing the t-shirt, show you a URL which you can click to see a trailer for a movie, or it may give you a coupon which you can use in a local outlet.


Here is a video 





• How are they used in education?
• I have use them for reviews of materials.  For example, I create a test with about 10-20 questions on it.  For each question, I create a short video for how the problem is solved.  If the kids need help, they scan the code with their smart phone and a video will pop up showing them how to solve the problem.  Here is an example:

Reflections:  

I chose this topic because I have seen the value first hand.  I am able to make these reviews and help every student at once and in addition, my students are able to learn on their own.

According to this website , there are many reasons why Q.R. Codes are good for education.  Here are a few:

1. They are easy to create
2. They are easy to share
3. They can enhance your students learning

Given today's ever connected world, finding new and interesting ways to engage students can only help classroom teachers.  Q.R. codes are easy to create, easy to share, and free for educators.  For these reasons, I believe they are an excellent tool to engage learners.