QR codes are one aspect of augmented reality. Educators can print our worksheets, poster, or newsletters with QR codes on it for students and parents to scan for more information. You can also create codes and leave them on your computer so students can pull up a Word document or a Canva poster and scan the code directly from there. Different apps or cameras on your phone can scan the room for a code. Once it finds that specific image, it will bring you to the website or resource that has been linked to that QR code. To create my project, I used the QR code Chrome extension. The extension allows you to easily convert any website page into a QR code for students to scan. This can be a great resource for teacher because students are forced to interact with the world around them and use a variety of resources to learn as opposed to solely reading words on a paper or screen. Then, I used Canva to create a worksheet for students to complete as the scan each QR code!
QR codes can tie in with the Danielson Framework for Teaching. First, they help educators demonstrate their knowledge of resources (1D). Teachers should use technology not just for the sake of it but to promote learning and emphasize certain educational concepts. QR codes can be used in the classroom to help students have fun but also be learning simultaneously. For example, educators can attach different videos or worksheets to a code so that students can go on a virtual adventure to find all of the different pieces of information. QR codes can also help teachers gain knowledge of their students and then use that knowledge to engage each student in learning (3C). Every child learns differently, so it is important for teachers to use a variety of different instructional methods. Codes can help children who are more visual learners by adding in images and videos to content alongside worksheets or notes. In general, it can also help students get excited about learning because they will liken the content to the fun activity. Students will be more likely to remember the information if they have not only learned it in a lecture but then also reinforced the idea through an interactive activity and applied their knowledge to solve different puzzles.
Personally, I have used QR codes several times, and I think they are a great way to help your students be an active participant in the classroom. It is important for teachers to recognize the significance of differentiation in teaching. QR codes can be given as an aid for students who may be struggling with certain material. Different videos and extra resources can be linked to the codes. However, it can also be used to provide enrichment for kids who may have an easier time with a certain subject. Additionally, it adds in another fun element to student learning. Students are challenged to interact with the world around them by looking around the classroom for codes, working with a partner, or just getting up and moving around for a little while. In my own classroom, I can use attach QR codes to different objects around the room for students to find. For younger kids, it might be fun to tie a certain object to a letter of the alphabet. For example, a QR code taped to a book can lead students to activities and worksheets on the letter 'b.' For older students, it might be fun to use QR codes to learn about different historic events or geographic places. Each code could take students to a different culture or a different moment in time!
Check out the QR code activity and worksheet I created for my Co-op below. I used the codes to help the class explore different locations around the United States!