QR Codes....Pimping those Pixelated Patterns

If you've integrated QR Codes into your classroom already, congratulations!!  You've discovered how engaging those be-speckled little buggers can be.   Teachers have discovered a plethora of great ways they can be integrated into the classroom.

What are QR Codes?  Click here for more:  http://mainideaqrhunt.weebly.com/what-is-a-qr-code.html

As QR code use continues to evolve, there are some features that perhaps you DIDN'T realize about QR Codes.

They can be MORE than Just Black and White!!

Do you like attractive colorful posters, worksheets, stations and more?  Several sites offer the option to create colorful codes that scan just as easily as regular black and white codes.

http://www.qrstuff.com
http://www.qr4.nl/Candy-QR-Generator.aspx -->




Morph them....add a Logo, Words, or Animations! 
Coloring, pixel editing, logo integrating and complete morphing of the codes is now a possibility.  Make your codes more dynamic and more interesting!.  I like color coding and numbering mine when setting up stations...the black and white ones all look the same to me.

This site allows pixel by pixel editing:   http://www.qrhacker.com

Animate your QR Code!:  http://blog.qr4.nl/Animated-QR-Code.aspx

This site allows you to morph and change the look of the code and add logos: http://www.unitaglive.com/qrcode


This site allows you to turn an image into a QR Code.  http://www.visualead.com








You Don't always HAVE to Have a Wifi Connection
QR codes can house text without the need to hook up to wifi.  Great for 'bring your own device days' where one wants to avoid having students access district networks OR for field trips.  Students can scan a code at designated stations and read the supplemental information.  A great way to consolidate paper packets!

How to create a text only QR Code using http://www.qrstuff.com

• Select:   "plain text"
• Enter your text
• Select:   Use our qrs.ly URL shortener 
• Your QR code will build as you type
• Change the color
• Save your QR code. Click: 

They Can Link Straight to a Map Location

Social Studies teachers delight!!  Studying locations or landforms?  Several QR Code generators offer the option to link straight to a specific map location:

http://www.qrcode.cx/
http://blog.qr4.nl/QR-Code-Geographic.aspx

They Can Link to a Dropbox URL

Do you have a dropbox account?  Did you know that every document in Dropbox has a unique URL?  This includes files, images, pdfs, videos, etc.  Capture that URL and convert it to a QR code if there is material you want your students to view.

How to create a QR Code that links to a file in your dropbox

• Select the image you want to link to.  Then click this symbol:  

• When it takes you to "Share this Image" select:

• This URL has now been copied.
• Next, open a QR Code generator:  kaywa.com, qrstuff, etc.
• Select 'Website URL' as your content type and paste in the code.  Generate the code.
• Now you have a QR code linked directly to that dropbox image.  

So jazz 'em up teachers!  Pimp those codes.  It's one MORE way to use Your Smarticles!!

For more QR Ideas:  

http://www.yoursmarticles.blogspot.com/p/qr-code-ideas-and-resources.html

http://mainideaqrhunt.weebly.com/what-is-a-qr-code.html

QR Code Scavenger Hunt

If you've followed my blog for some time, you may have noticed that I'm a bit of a QR code queen (or quack).  I love those quirky codes and feel that they have unlimited potential for use in the classroom.  As more and more technology emerges in districts (ipads, smartphones, ipod touch, e-readers, wifi access) There are more opportunities to re-write lessons and activities to integrate QR codes.

Following this trend, I decided to 'makeover' a classic scavenger hunt that I've always done to include QR codes.  In the activity, students practice utilizing context clues to determine the meaning of unknown words (a very VALUABLE skill and one focused on in the new Common Core Standards)

To conduct the scavenger hunt the students need to 'scan' a QR code and read a context clue question.  As they answer the question (and write the answer on the worksheet) they will be led to an envelope which contains a different question (and context clue).  When that question is answered, the students are given a key letter to be used in solving a riddle.

I have never gone wrong with this lesson.  I like to call it a 'plug and play' lesson.  Students are working cooperatively, enthusiastically and are engaged in the learning.  It is truly one of my favorites!!

Check it out at my TpT store OR follow my blog and leave me a message and I'll send it to you for free.   :)

Now that's using your smarticles!!