I made the QR code above for this blog using a website called OunchTag. For those that don’t know, QR codes are short for “quick response code” and are barcodes that contain information about something, usually web addresses. Typically, QR codes are black and white with little visual enhancement–kind of like the barcodes that are on the back of packages. OunchTag lets users create QR codes that are visually stunning. The process can be completed on OunchTag in three easy steps. Simply include the desired URL, add an image, and then create an attractive QR code like I did above and here:
After generating your code, you can download it to your desktop where it can be
incorporated into word documents, presentations, or student handouts. I made the sign on the left that I just hung on my office door by importing the OunchTag QR code to a Word document. To access QR codes, you’ll need a QR code reader on your smartphone or iPad. There are literally hundreds of choices on the web, many that are free.
QR codes have many uses in classrooms. Here are three examples:
1) One of our elementary principals had students record reviews of books, upload the videos, and then paste the QR code with the video link to books that were reviewed so other students could easily access a video by scanning the book with their device.
2) Add QR codes to images used during a gallery walk so students can find out additional information about what they are viewing. To make this more interactive, students can create their own explanations or compile their own resources about what they have viewed and generate a QR code that links to their research.
3) Include QR codes to student artwork or projects to allow students to add details about how something was made or its importance. Students can either link to a video explaining the item, webpages, or even an online document that contains additional details.
Here are some additional resources on how to use QR codes in classrooms:
40 Interesting Ways to Use QR Codes in Classrooms
Kathy Schrock’s Guide to QR Codes in the Classroom
Steven Anderson’s Livebinder: QR Codes in Education
Twelve Ideas for Teaching with QR Codes
Five Reasons I Love Using QR Codes in My Classroom
Thank you to Roberta Spray for sharing OunchTag with me!