Using QR codes in the classroom

What is a QR code?

A QR code (short for Quick Response Code) is a machine-readable code made up of black and white squares.

Example of a QR code:

QR codes are designed to enhance printed material such as: books, magazines, programmes and guides or even displays at museums and heritage sites.

Using an array of free apps and online tools, you can quickly and easily create your very own multimedia-rich QR experiences which can be triggered from a web enabled device.


Suggestions for using QR codes in the Classroom:

General:

• Create an interactive wall display.
  
• Create a QR treasure hunt in which students have to retrieve clues from strategically placed QR codes in order to solve a problem. 

Science:

• Create a QR Solar System - Gather YouTube videos, websites etc. about the Solar System and link them to QR codes. Scatter each of the codes around the room and ask pupils to put them in order. 
• Create a QR version of the Periodic Table

Geography/History:

• Create an interactive visitors centre. Students can use their favourite software to create interactive content which they can upload to the internet and link to QR codes. The QR codes can then be used to inform visitors about a local place of historical interest.
• Create a QR timeline.

Art:

• Create an Interactive Tour Guide - Contact your local Art Gallery and get your students to create an interactive tour to provide visitors with additional information about the gallery's works.
  

Examples:

Interactive eSafety wall display

Students create a revision resource using QR codes

Using QR Codes in the Classroom

What you will need for creating your own QR experience

1.   A web enabled device with built in camera (e.g. tabet, netbook or smart phone)

2.   QR creation tool

• Qrafter (iOS)
• QR Code Designer (Windows 8)
  
• Barcode Generator (Android)
  
• QR Stuff.com (Web)
  

3.   QR reader

• kwiQR (Windows 8)
  
• QR Reader (iOS)
  
• QR Reader from Kaywa (Android)
  
• QuckMark QR Reader (PC/Mac)
  

Instructions

1.   Install and load your preferred QR creation tool.

2.   Paste in the URL of the website or content you wish to trigger from your QR code.

3.   Print out the automatically generated QR codes.

4.   Install and run your preferred QR reader.

5.   Point your devices camera at your newly created QR code.

6.   Have fun!

Please let me know how you are using QR Codes in your classroom!