What are QR Codes and how are they useful?

QR code 

(Quick Response Code)

QR codes seem to be everywhere these days. I use them regularly in class and in resources. So what are they and how can you use them everyday to aid your practice?

In simple terms a QR code is a bar-code, that you can link files, videos, websites, photos.

We're Going on a Bear Hunt video QR Code

1. So, how do you use these?
2. Easy....

• Download any number of free QR code scanners from the App store or Google Play
• Open the QR Code reader on your phone.
• Hold your device over a QR Code so that it’s clearly visible within your smartphone’s screen.
• The phone automatically scans the code.
• On some readers, you have to press a button to snap a picture, not unlike the button on your smartphone camera

How can they be used in school?

• Direct students to a website - via a link
• Text
• Photos
• Word documents
• Videos

How to make a QR code:

Here are a few websites you can use and can be used free.

https://www.qr-code-generator.com/

https://www.qrstuff.com/

https://www.the-qrcode-generator.com/

These are quite simple to use:

• Open website
• Paste web address into generator
• Press download to receive your code as a picture.

If you want to add a document or video file, there can be a signing process, however, there is a way around this.

Use a Dropbox Account

The easiest way to add videos,pictures and documents is:

• Open a Dropbox account. (https://www.dropbox.com)
• Upload video, files or photo to your account
  

• Once uploaded - click the Share button

• Click create a link

• Click copy link

• Copy into QR Code Generator
• Download QR Code

Ways I use them:

• Direct students to a website for research or work.
• Add to reading corner, listening stations or workstation for SEND children to watch and listen to books.

• 

• Upload videos/ photos children have produced for a piece of work e.g. Green Screen projects to create a QR Code for the class exercise books, so they can watch there work and share with other children and parents.
• Give Tutorial Help for Homework
• Put QR codes in Library books 
• Scavenger hunts

and many, many more....

Stay Tuned for further updates on how we have used them in the classroom.

Please get in touch and let me know how you like to use QR Codes, I will keep updating this post with further help or information.

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