QR Codes in the Classroom

Have you ever thought about using QR codes in the classroom to enhance student learning? If so, keep reading and find out how you can!

I had heard about QR codes before but hadn't really been that interested in them or thought they could be used in the classroom. However, after listening to others in my technology course talk about different ideas for how to use them, I became intrigued and decided to learn about how they could be used in the classroom.

I began my search by going on Pinterest. Where else you find great ideas? I visited a number of other teacher blogs and learned about the basics of what a QR code is and how to create them. There are a number of websites that you can use to generate QR codes. I even learned about a way to batch create a bunch of QR codes using Google Sheets. I also learned about some QR readers for iPads. Since my students will primarily be using Chromebooks, I did some research about QR code readers for Chromebooks and found a few that are easy to use. All you need is the website address and a webcam.

Next, I did some experimenting. I downloaded a QR reader, Bakoda, on my iPad. This was free and super quick and easy to use. I just scanned the QR code and a prompt to open a link came up. I was then able to see the resource that was linked to the QR code.

Finally, I found some great ways that QR codes can be implemented in the classroom. These are a few that I thought were valuable and that I plan to use with my students:

• Provide answers to worksheets/task cards
• Create audiobooks
• Create an audiofile of students explaining their thinking
• Students create a book review movie
• Create visual/audio examples of assignments or tutorial videos which students can then access if they need help. The QR codes can be on posters around the room or on the assignment itself.
• Have resources on a certain topic--create a poster of a topic then have different QR codes that students can scan to learn more about that topic
• Scavenger Hunts--Student must find QR codes and complete a task to get the next clue
• Word walls--have a QR code that has the definition and example for each word
• Create an audiofile of dicated sight words for students to practice spelling
• Assign independent work activities/tasks that are differentiated
• Accommodations for students: directions and text read out-loud so they can listen to it independently

If you are interested in learning more about QR codes, check out the resources below:

QR Code Generator Resources
How to Create QR Codes
QR Code Monkey
QR Stuff
Batch Create QR Codes

QR Code Readers for Chromebooks
Web QR
QR Code Scanner

Audio QR Code Resources
Audio Boom
Chirbit
QR Voice
Croak It

QR Codes in the Classroom


Using QR codes in the classroom connects to the second teacher ISTE standard strand which states,
"Teachers design and develop digital age learning experiences and assessments." Specifically, it connects to the following bullets:

a. Design or adapt relevant learning experiences that incorporate digital tools and resources to promote student learning and creativity

b. Develop technology-enriched learning environments that enable all students to pursue their individual curiosities and become active participants in setting their own educational goals, managing their own learning, and assessing their own progress

c. Customize and personalize learning activities to address students’ diverse learning styles, working strategies, and abilities using digital tools and resources

Source: ISTE Standards Teachers