QR Codes

Brought to you by Angie Archie and Sandra Rahmaty

What are they?

QR stands for “quick response”. It is basically a variation of a barcode that can hold lots of information. You can link it to a website, message, video, map, etc.

How do I create QR codes?

www.qrstuff.com - There are many different sites to do this, but this one is pretty easy AND you can make your QR codes different colors!!

goo.gl - Has a few more steps involved, but if you use it while signed in to your Google Docs account, you can keep track of how many times your QR code was accessed.

Alternatives: interactive presentation (PowerPoint or Open Office), webquest, etc. You should always have an alternative planned for those kids who don’t have or choose not to use smartphones. Jackie would love to help you create the alternative activities or activities using QR codes!

How can I use them in my classroom?

• reviews
• anchor activities
• introductions
• information you’d like others to save to their phones
• motivational tool
• A longer list of ideas can be found here: http://goo.gl/VFOJM
• More ideas can be found here too: http://goo.gl/Ib9fm

To use QR codes, you’ll need to download a free scanner. Search your app store and find your favorite. I use ShopSavvy (I have a droid) because it is not just for QR codes. There are even programs that let you use the camera on a desktop or laptop to scan codes (such as QReader).

Sites with more information and ideas:

• http://www.digitalgoonies.com
• http://goo.gl/i37Lh
• Written by my friend Gwyneth!: http://goo.gl/517JE (more of her informative and hilarious ramblings can be found here: http://www.thedaringlibrarian.com)
• How a teacher used a QR codes for a scavenger hunt:http://ilearntechnology.com/?p=4211

Videos:

• http://goo.gl/0hn1w
• http://youtu.be/_X2AYmcoOkI
• http://youtu.be/9VPwzCF0zEI (they talk about this site: http://www.studycell.com/)

Try scanning this one:

A cute video about a Christmas scavenger hunt: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m08rU5ipX9o

A site that lets you speak a word to students!  I see this being more useful in classes learning different languages: http://qrvoice.net/

Kathy Schrock's QR Codes for Educators: http://qrcodesforeducators.weebly.com/

Discusses practical uses for QR codes in classrooms:    http://coolcatteacher.blogspot.com/2011/05/qr-code-classroom-implementation-guide.html

...get tech help

Is your computer beeping at you?  Did your LCD projector magically stop working?  Are you ready to punt your desktop across the room?

Use the Tech Help form on the library webpage!  (obviously on a computer that is working:) )

On the York website, choose "Library Resources" --> "Teachers" --> "Tech Help" and fill out the form.  Below is a link to a gorgeous video that shows how to do this...prepare to be amazed...(there isn't sound)
http://www.screencast.com/t/0WsYy8EJ

If you aren't sure if this is the proper form to use for your particular issue, feel free to fill it out anyway.  It won't ruin our day if we have to redirect your concern.

Stephanie Sapp, our super awesome tech, is usually running around saving the world so walking down to the library is usually not the best way to get help.  If you fill out the form, someone else in the library may be able to help you before she returns (we are pretty smart too!).  It is now imperative to use this form if you want help ASAP.  You won't be denied help if you don't use the form, but you may have to wait because this is how we will keep everyone's needs organized.  Please understand that you will receive help as soon as possible...not immediately.