Issue link: http://educator.cta.org/i/1291735
A few reasons to use QR codes O P P O RT U N I T I E S F O R C H O I C E I' ve often asked my students to select and watch two (or more) of the five QR code videos I pro - vide on a given slide or handout . Students frequently comment that they watched more than what was required. The use of this linking function creates fluid transitions from one activity to the next. Teachers can go from a whole group lesson to independent work to a Flipgrid dis- cussion with QR code video links. When my students conducted in-class social studies research, I frequently set up "bus stops" in the classroom and asked students to travel to two or three in a class period. At each stop, students were given five or six videos or links to explore. The use of the QR codes helped me expose my students to a variety of voices, information, and resources — while allowing for stu- dent choice. O P P O RT U N I T I E S TO S H A R E S T U D E N T WO R K When I was a second grade teacher, my students used QR codes to display their created stories and the work that they were proud of. We displayed the QR codes on the walls of our classroom, and during morning time or quiet time, stu- dents would scan a code and enjoy reading or watching the work of their peers. Additionally, when students finished reading a book from our library, they had the option to hand- write their review or create a video and link to their review using a QR code. After the video was created, we simply printed the QR code and slipped it in the front of the book. GA M I F Y L E A R N I N G Using QR codes as a clue or answer is also a fun way to loop kids into learning. During lessons, students can uncover QR code clues in Amazing Race-style challenges. This works especially well for memoriza- tion-heavy subjects and test prep. For tests and review, students can also create flash QR cards with questions for tests or reviews. Each flash QR card could include a typed question and an answer accessible by QR code. I've found that students really enjoy this — some of my students were creating QR math estimation games during indoor recess and free time. Justine Bruyère is a lecturer at Pea- body College, Vanderbilt University. This story originally appeared on Edutopia.org. " QR codes help children avoid technological mishaps and provide an easy way to incorporate student choice in the classroom." 53 O C T O B E R / N O V E M B E R 2 0 2 0 100% Online MA in Science Education ✓ Flexible course scheduling – no cohort ✓ Year-round classes, including summers ✓ Asynchronous classes ✓ No thesis, project, or teaching required ✓ 30 credits to MA degree completion WMU is one of the 10 Best Online Master's in Science Education www.wmich.edu/science/masters