QR Codes are a fun tool for so many activities! Here are 5 of my favorite ways that I use them in the Tech Lab:
1) Tech Scavenger Hunt - Fall & Spring are perfect times of year to have an outside tech experience! I use QR Codes for a techy Scavenger Hunt. Age & grade appropriate, Students will scan a code to take them on this hunt from code to code. Their hunt could be for answers to techy questions or to find caches of rewards and prizes. I try and mix it up for fun!
2) Silly Starters - Digital Storytelling is huge in the Tech Lab! I introduce many 'old standards' along with new & exciting programs that Students can use to create their story. The QR Code will hold a 'Silly Starter' that they can use to get started with their story. Create a story about: "A hamburger that couldn't stop laughing", "A treasure hidden in a very messy room", "A perfectly wrapped package...what is inside?"...and more.
3) Mystery Picture - I like to create a picture on grid paper and use coordinates for each box. I then create a QR Code that holds the coordinates and a color. Students will scan the code, locate the box and shade it with the right color on their grid paper. I will use up 30 QRs and place them at each workstation in the Lab. The number of codes I use depends on the picture. Each scan of each QR Code takes them closer to figuring out what the Mystery Picture is. It's really fun!
4) Cheat Sheet - So many of the projects that we will work on in the Tech Lab have many steps or bits of information. I will create a "Cheat Sheet" as a reference. This saves me from repeating words and instructions and it saves Students from having to remember all the steps. Instead of printing the instructions...the Cheat Sheet...I will create a QR Code with the steps. Students scan the code using "QR Journal" and will save it on their computer for the duration of the project!
5) "Me" Projects - A great way to get to know each other in class...I like "Me" projects! Each Student creates their own project. I've had Students use Google Apps, Thinglink (https://www.thinglink.com/), Padlet (http://padlet.com/) and more. They then will create their own QR Code and attach the project. This QR Code can be uploaded to their Schoology Accounts or to the class webpage. Great getting to know ya'!
Many QR Code creators are available by Google searching. Most any are easy to use for your activity and have text, URL and more setup options.
Happy to be a QR Code!
Elana Moore
