QR Codes in the Classroom

QR Codes have the potential to liven up just about anything in the classroom.Think of it like a newspaper, but more. When you read the front page of the newspaper there is, typically, the beginning of a good story and after a few paragraphs it will say, ...continued on page B7. This is because the front page has very valuable space and the editors want to maximize what they have.

So they'll begin the story on the front page and have more information for you to read in another place where there is plenty of room. And you have the option of going there or not.

QR Codes do the same thing. They give you the option of going to another place to find additional information on a topic or idea of interest. For example, teachers can post guidelines for Science lab on the wall. For each rule there is a small QR Code where students can watch a video that explains the dangers of not using goggles, shows pictures of skin burns from chemicals handled improperly, or articles on the importance wafting.

Students can take advantage of QR Codes for projects and assignments. If one page is all they get to explain a topic, idea, or important person, than using QR Codes can help direct the teacher or fellow classmates to additional sites, videos, images, or articles.

Administrators can take advantage of QR Codes when distributing mass amounts of materials or information. When passing out beginning of the year letters a QR Code can be added so that additional sheets of paper can be saved because recipients of the letter can scan the QR Code to read more information than what's on the page, if they decide it's necessary.

QR Codes have lots of applications in schools and classrooms and teachers, students, and administrators are just beginning to catch on to how many ways they can use them.

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