20 + Things you can do with QR codes in your school

QR codes are possibly one of the most underused useful features of new technology. Perhaps one of the main reasons for this is that many people see them as a form of barcode and wrongly believe that they can only be produced by companies, but the reality is anyone can produce a QR code within seconds.

QR literally stands for 'quick response' and it enables you to transfer various types of digital content onto a mobile device in seconds without having to type any URLs.

There are two essential things you need to make QR codes work for you.

1. A means of creating the code.
There are a number of quick free services that enable you to create QR codes in seconds. These are two that I like:

• http://www.visualead.com/
• http://www.the-qrcode-generator.com/

 Here’s how to create the code:


2. A means of reading the code
In order to read the codes students will need an internet connected device with a QR scanner installed. There are a number of these also available for free.

• http://www.scanlife.com/get-the-app
• http://www.tapmedia.co.uk/more-apps.htm

QR codes can have a transformative effect, not only within a the classroom but also within a school. They have multiple uses which we will go on to look at, but among the greatest strengths they have is that they are platform agnostic, so they can be used on any mobile device with a camera regardless of brand as long as it has QR code scanning app available for it, so they can form a fundamental tool to enabling an effective BYOD program in any school.

Here are a few suggestions

In the classroom

• Add QR codes to worksheets and classroom handouts so that students who prefer a digital version can download one directly to their device.
• At the end of classes create a QR code for digital notes from the class with new vocabulary, errors or interesting expressions that came up during class etc.
• Create a QR code link to an interactive phonemic chart so that student can use it to work on their pronunciation and use their phone to record themselves.
• Create QR codes so that students can download grammar reference notes or vocabulary records at the end of a lesson.
• Get students to scan their timetable directly into the calendar on their phone using a QR code.
• Make a list of QR codes which link to suitable apps you want students to download to use in class. This will help them to save time searching for them.
• You can get students to scan images and infographics directly onto their device.

 

• Everything you print and put on a wall or put on paper and handout can be distributed using a QR code.

Around the school

• Have a QR code at the entrance to the school which links to a welcome video from or info video about the school, so that when people arrive at the school they feel some form of human contact, even if the school is closed.

• Add QR codes to pictures of staff members and link these to short video clips of the teachers introducing themselves.
• When you take photographs of events at your school and put them on display, add QR codes so that students can download the ones they want directly from the display.
• Add QR codes to any competitions you are doing around the school. These can link directly to email addresses or SMS text numbers that students should submit their entries to.
• Set up QR codes for events and schedules so that they are scanned directly into students digital calendars.
• Make newsletters available digitally with QR codes. Teachers or students can just scan the code if they want a copy.
• Set up QR codes with various study and learner training tips around the school so that students can get a tip and some inspiration where ever they are in the school.
• Add QR codes to instruction sheets so that teachers or students don’t have to make a photocopy, they can just scan them onto their phone.
• Add QR codes to teachers resources so that they can quickly scan and download a copy to their phone or mobile device rather than photocopying.
• Set up a treasure hunt with information and clues delivered to students phones as they search for QR codes which tell them where to find the next QR code clue.
• You can quickly get students onto your school Facebook page to like it.

 

• Everything you print and put on a wall or put on paper and handout can be distributed using a QR code.

In the self access centre

• Create QR codes for self-access worksheets and online activities that students can then scan and complete on their own device rather than paper. You can link to webpages, videos, listening activities etc.
• Make digital books and magazines in the library available to students through QR codes. There are  vast number of magazines that can be downloaded for free from sites like http://issuu.com/, https://www.scribd.com/, or students can download classics from http://www.gutenberg.org/ or from Google books.
• Create QR codes for recommended videos from YouTube or other video sharing sites. You could also have a QR code for a worksheet with activities for the students to do while they watch it.
• Create QR codes for recommended audio books or podcasts for students to listen to.

In your marketing

• Add QR codes to any brochures and promotional materials round your school. Then students can download a PDF version to their device and you can save money on printing. You can also update your materials without having to re-print them or change the QR code.
• Create a QR code with a link to a Google map showing the location of the school and add this to marketing materials to help people find the school.
• Add a QR code to materials that enable potential customers to easily send you a text message for more information.

Benefits of using QR codes
Getting staff and students familiar and comfortable with QR codes can take some time and training, but if you can integrate these into your school the potential benefits are huge.

Here are a few:

• Reduced costs of photocopying.
• Reduced costs of printing marketing materials.
• Reduced costs of storage and shelf space in library or self access centre.
• Reduced cost of lost books, CDs, video, magazines etc.
• Reduced costs of buying magazines, newspapers etc.
• Increased engagement with learning materials.
• Increased engagement with marketing materials.
• Increased learning opportunities within the school environment.
• A 21st century mobile friendly learning environment.
• A more digitally literate staff and student body.

I hope you find these ideas useful and please do post any comments or suggestions you have for using QR codes.

Related links:

• Managing the digital classroom - Using a backchannel
• Managing the digital classroom - Getting students' attention
• Digital Video - A manual for language teachers
• Tap into the Backchannel in Your Presentation 
• 3 Tools for Exploiting the Wifi During Presentations
• Instant back channel chat room 

Best
Nik Peachey

Why I don't want an IWB (Interactive Whiteboard)

Recently, I have been asked quite  few times about IWBs and which ones are best etc. My usual answer is 'none' and then I have to explain, so I thought, instead of explaining I would write this post so that I could point people towards each time they ask.

So this is my classroom set up of preference and these are the key components.

1. Data projector - I'm not really bothered which one as long as it produces a good screen resolution (There's a reasonable article here on how to choose one:
How to Buy a Projector)

2. A Laptop - My preference here is for a MacBook, but I can understand why some people find that extravagant and don't feel they are worth the extra financial outlay. Personally, I think they are worth the extra money, because they work faster and so save time (the most valuable commodity we have) and because they are pretty durable(The Apple products I've owned have lasted at least twice as long as their PC counterparts I've had and are still going strong.)


3. iPad - Again my preference here is for the iPad mini, because it is so light to hold in one hand and pass around, but still big enough and powerful enough to fulfil my storage needs and to operate without squinting (also quite a bit cheaper)

4. Reflector app - This is a key app that you download onto your laptop. It then enables you to project your iPad screen onto your computer (and so through the data projector) as it wirelessly receives signals from the iPad's Airplay function.

For those who aren't familiar with Airplay, it's an Apple function that allows you to use the wireless to project sound and vision from an iPhone, iPad, iTouch etc of to Apple TV. You can find more information here: Airplay

Why I like the Airplay enabled set up

• For me this allows the best of both worlds. I can use the laptop for any software that's native to computer world and very quickly and wirelessly switch to the mobile environment of the iPad.
• This set up is portable so you can use it in any room with a data projector and computer, as long as the Reflector app is installed.
• This also has the advantage of allowing your students access to the data projector if they also have iPads, in fact the Airplay function combined with Reflector can allow your students to project onto the screen from a number of iPads simultaneously, which is great to get students showing and comparing work for the whole class to see.
• Controlling the projection screen from the iPad means that you can move around the class and control it from wherever you are.
• To hand control over to students you just pass them the iPad
• You can store all your materials on your iPad and use it to do all your preparation / marking etc at home.
• You don't have to fiddle with replace or try to find those awful IWB pens.
• The iPad gives you access to the vast range and variety of apps that you just can't run on a computer or IWB environment. 
• An iPad and a $12.99 app are hugely cheaper than the cost of an IWB and far more flexible.
• You can also use the Reflector app to record screen activity so you can easily turn parts of your lessons into flipped learning or useful revision.
• The iPad and laptop set up provides an authentic digital learning environment so digital literacies can be developed, whereas IWB software is an artificial digital environment which students will only encounter within schools.

There are of course some downsides to this arrangement. 

• Hand writing on the iPad screen isn't so comfortable even with a stylus and a good whiteboard app (though if you want to try it I would recommend Bamboo Paper).
• The Reflector app isn't free, but it is very cheap ($12.99) so much cheaper than an IWB.
• This set up only works with Apple mobile products as the controller (Though you can use any laptop to install the app on), so if your students bring along Android or other devices they won't be able to access your projector (but they wouldn't on an IWB either).
• The Reflector app runs through the wireless to connect the laptop to the iPad, so you may need to have some specific ports open if your IT manager has them closed.

If you don't have the choice and you already have an IWB, then that's fine, you could still install the Reflector app and start using an iPad too, but given the choice it's pretty clear. So, now hopefully I'll be getting asked this question a lot less often.

Do post comments and let me know what you think. I'd also appreciate hearing about any alternative apps you may have used to connect your iPad and especially your Android tablet to the projector

Related links:

• Learning Technology News 
• Tools for Learners
• Could Doceri be the IWB killer?
• Can you replace your IWB with a $10 dollar app?
• Questioning the role of technology in education 
• iPad apps for English language teachers
• Some Pros and Cons of iPads for ELT 

Best
Nik Peachey