Teaching and Learning with QR Codes

Technology integration in the classroom continues to change the way teaching and learning takes place on a daily basis. One way teachers transform, motivate, and differentiate their instruction is by using QR codes. A QR code is a scannable image that looks similar to a barcode. Once scanned, it can link you to any content with an URL.  The following links provide some ideas for teachers on how to get started and general classroom use.

Five Reasons I Love Using QR Codes in My Classroom

25 Fun Ways to Use QR Codes for Teaching and Learning

Some other great uses for QR codes:

Literacy

• Book commercials, and reviews
• Read-along audio version of the text
• Author information
• Short videos paired with non-fiction selections
• Student recordings to accompany their work
• Interactive Bulletin Boards
• Virtual tours

Math

• How-to videos
• Self-checking answers
• Interactive quizzes

I encourage you to try using QR codes in your classroom. Not only will this type of technology integration spark interest and motivation but also can create effective and purposeful instructional opportunities.

Students are Producers!

     Discovery Education's Board Builder provides a fantastic opportunity for students to become skilled producers. No longer do students passively consume content, but now, they create, design and order content on a given topic. Students use Discovery Education services to search for videos, images or web links. Then they add appropriate content to their digital board. What makes Board Builder a dynamic resource and tool is the possibility for students to create their own content and add to their board. Essentially anything students can store in their Google Drive accounts can be added to Board Builder. Wow! How exciting for teachers and students! Teachers provide the requirements and structure of the assignment as students determine how to best display their knowledge using these tools. Meanwhile, students are developing critical thinking skills as they consider audience, content and display of each item they add. Still have doubts? Take a look at this link to gather some ideas of how you might use this compelling resource.

50 Ways to Use Board Builder

App smashing

     Have you ever thought about allowing your students to combine multiple apps together to create a presentation? If you have access to iPads, it's easier than ever before with the synthesis of Google Drive and numerous other ways to share through social networks. Anything that can be created and saved to the camera roll can be pulled into iMovie. This provides the opportunity to smash the apps together into a single project or presentation. If you are new to app smashing, then take a look at this video to get an idea of what it's all about.

Introduction to App-smashing

     Need some ideas to get started? Take a look at the link below to see how others are combining apps to create creative and critical thinking opportunities for their students.

Five App Smashing Ideas for Your Classroom

     If you still aren't to sure about app smashing, then I encourage you to combine some apps to create a flipped lesson for your students. I think you will find that app-smashing engages your learners and fosters collaboration, and communication while providing opportunities to develop digital skills! So, what are you waiting for? Consider how app smashing can be used in your teaching and learning today!

Using iPads in the Classroom

     No matter what type of learners you have in your classroom, there is an app for that! These devices can be powerful learning tools to meet learning styles, and instructional differentiation. If you have one iPad, think about how it can be used to make the greatest impact in student learning individually or in pairs. If you have a few iPads, again, thinking about the greatest impact. What types of apptivities can extend your teaching and learning in a small group setting?  

I am regularly asked about finding apps to meet specific purposes. Here are some resources for you your review. I will continue updating these boards as I come across tools that can help you accomplish daily tasks with your students.  

Check out this board, iPads in the Classroom if you are looking for procedures and ways to manage your devices. Click on Teaching with iPads if you are searching for specific apps. Still haven't found the app your looking for? Read Making Art? Getting Healthy? There Are Kids' Apps for That -- and More to see more apps with suggested age range.

While iPads and other devices may have not reached your classroom yet or if you already have a class set, one thing is for sure, they can be effectively used to motivate, engage and enhance your classroom endeavors!

The One iPad Classroom

     What can be accomplished with just one iPad in your classroom?  Lots! Take a look at a few of these apps and decide how you want to begin maximizing the use of your iPad. Here are a few ideas for you to consider!

1. Manage your classroom behavior using Class Dojo, Too Noisy or Stick Pick.

2. Take class pictures of your lessons, activities and assignments. Allow students to use the pictures to create an Animoto Video. Use the Explain Everything app to provide a how-to for students needing extra support.

3. Use it as a document camera or interactive whiteboard to take a virtual field trip using Google Maps or Globe for iPad. 

Your iPad can become one amazing classroom tool for you and your students! Check out these apps! After you begin using one or more of them, your students will be pleading for more!