Can do with QR codes!

I love QR codes. If you have not heard of them, a QR (Quick Response) Code is a machine-readable code consisting of an array of black an white squares. They typically store URLs or other information for reading by the camera on a smartphone. I like to use them in the classroom for many purposes:

1. They are quick to create, and easy to embed into documents or pictures
2. They encourage positive and appropriate use of a smartphone by students
3. They can be used in your language class in a variety of ways! and help to create active learning

Here are some way that you can use QR codes in your classroom:

• use them to make a Scavanger hunt (these really create that active class with loads of movement and learning)...you can even do this for your language club after school :)
• post contact information, class syllabus/goals for parents on Parent Night-place a QR code on the bottom of your handouts on Parents Night or conferences. It cuts down on running off copies 
• post archived notes/agenda from a particular day-have a central place in your class where students could scan the QR codes and access the homework or notes they missed the day they were absent- it will empower them to take more responsibility for their learning!
• use them to compliment worksheets or hallways displays on cultural topics- these QR codes can provide students with more information, clues, websites about the specific topic you are presenting to the class

To spice up my classroom decor at the end of the year, I recently made a new bulletin board in my classroom based around the theme of "Where in the World Are We?" and included pictures of well-known places around the world. My goal is to have my students appreciate some of these famous points of interest and have a greater appreciation of world cultures.

To do this, I just printed out images of places like Buckingham Palace, the Mayan ruins of Tikal, the Acropolis in Greece, Ayers Rock in Australia and Quito, Ecuador. I did choose to laminate these photos, so that I can easily place and remove the QR codes or change the information that I want the students to go to when they scan the code.

I like the free website QR Stuff (www.qrstuff.com) to create the QR codes. There, you simply paste in your URL of the website that you want the students to visit and then generate your QR code. Next, download the code, copy/paste it in a word processing document. Print off the document, cut the QR codes out and then tape to the image.

Set up your bulletin board and your classroom will soon buzz with interest as they use technology to broaden their cultural knowledge and learn about new places!