QR Codes

Generally, I have only ever seen QR codes on posters on the subway platform and in the train.  (Which makes me wonder, where do non-subway-riders ever see these?!)  For a long time, I didn't see the point -- why would I scan a QR code in the subway (where there's no cell phone service anyway) to learn more about Bud Light Lime, or Cheaptravel.com, or whatever?  A friend recently posted on Facebook that he thought QR codes were a flash in the pan gimmick, and wondered who ever used them.  One of the responses was from a mom who said that her kids LOVED to scan QR codes with her phone whenever they saw them!  So, even if they turn out to be a short-lived gimmick, kids like them, and there really are a lot of educational uses.

One of the first things I thought of was a museum use of QR codes -- instead of renting headsets for museum visitors to listen to commentary about the artwork or other things on display, QR codes could be created that are links to podcasts about the particular work of art.  That way, anybody could choose to find out more, and museums wouldn't necessarily have to rent out those bulky headset things.  While this isn't specifically geared towards schools, I would hope that museums might have kid-focused info about the exhibits, and QR codes could be generated for that.  Alternatively, if a class took a field trip to a museum, teachers could have created QR codes ahead of time with links to podcasts or other specific info, and students could scan them at the appropriate time.  

QR codes would be great for Universal Design for Learning, and other accommodations for students with disabilities.  Not only do QR codes make it easier for students with learning disabilities such as dyslexia, and/or fine motor skill problems -- no URL to remember and/or type in; but the codes could also be links to alternative modes of learning -- a link to a website with assistive technology, or a video or podcast, or whatever alternative is required for all students to be able to access the information.

Scavenger hunts are a great idea, that were mentioned in a few of our readings, and I particularly liked this one, that helped students navigate a brand new school building at the beginning of the year.

Finally, QR codes are also for fun!  On one of the comments in the article we read, there was a link to this QR Voice site, where you can type in a line of text, and a QR code is generated -- when you scan it, a synthesized voice will read your text.  For something very short (like a clue to a scavenger hunt, possibly!), this would be easier than a podcast, and more fun than a link to a written line on a website.  Also, one can only imagine what students will do with this, left to their own devices... ;)  Here's one example: 

One more thing: working with QR codes makes me realize that in a perfect world, schools would be equipped with class sets of iPads for activities like these, rather than iPod touches -- the bigger screen would be important to navigate some of the links.