Using QR Codes in the classroom

When it comes to directing students to class content quickly and efficiently, teachers have turned to the use of QR codes. Chances are you have seen one at some point in your daily travels, either on certain product packaging or on signs and billboards. To make use of these, you would need to download and install a QR code scanner on your device, whether it be a phone, tablet, or Chromebook. I have The QR Code Extension added to my Chrome browser, which was used to generate the QR code above. This extension will generate a code for the active web page. This code can then be scanned on screen, or printed out and posted for students to scan on their devices. Think of this as a real-world hyperlink.

When selecting the app or extension you would like to use, be sure to note if the app is simply a QR code scanner or generator, or both. As a teacher, you will be creating content and posting it somewhere online, like on your class website, YouTube, or via a shareable link from your Google Drive. Then you will need to generate the QR code so that your students can scan to access your content.

As mentioned previously, The QR Code Extension can be used to create a code to link to the active web page. Or, you can go to one of many QR generators online and you will see a place to paste hyperlinks or select data types, ranging from websites to Twitter feeds to telephone numbers. A site I like to use is http://www.qrstuff.com/.

Some possible real world applications could be as follows;

• Set up learning centers in your classroom where students scan the QR code at each center to access relevant content
• At conference time, post codes on students' desks so that parents can scan and see student portfolios or other student work
• Add a QR code to a homework assignment that links to help 
• Display a code on your interactive whiteboard so students can connect on their own devices
• Class scavenger hunts where students scan codes at various locations giving them clues
• Adding to books by including author or story information
• Attach you your devices and link to online product manuals

Take some time and experiment, try out something new, and post any exciting ideas or experiences in the comment section below!