Integrating QR Codes Across Subjects

I've discovered what a valuable tool QR codes can be in the classroom, especially for ease of use for young learners. We have iPads and iPods in our school, so this facilitates our use of QR codes. Using QR codes for specific research projects, or content area stations can take a lot of prep work upfront. However, once the work has been done, students can quickly and easily access various resources on the internet in a safe and specific way. Below are examples of how I've integrated QR codes into different subjects and units.

 My students had a blast doing research about U.S. and Texas symbols! I printed the Texas symbols QR codes that you can find here and the U.S symbols packet that you can find here. I posted them in a student accessible location. ;) Then, my students used the free app, Scan, to scan the codes. They were so engaged! They worked in small groups to share the five iPads we have. They were able to watch videos, read facts, and identify our state and country symbols. They were also told to take notes about what they learned.

 
Integrating QR codes into Science and Social Studies for research went so well, that I wanted to branch out and find a use for this to benefit other subject areas. Our Kinder-2nd grade classes often do author studies, so I decided to make QR codes that lead to video read alouds of children's picture books by famous authors or on specific content topics. During our Literacy Block, if students chose "Listen to Reading" as their Daily 5 activity, they could use the iPads to scan the code, and then listen to the story read aloud to them. They could then do a follow-up response or simply journal in their reading response notebook about the story they listened to. This was a huge hit in my room and with my co-workers! Here are some of the read aloud QR codes packets I have created for this purpose.  Click on the images below to visit my store where you can find these packets, and MANY more!

        

      

 One last Science integration example for QR Codes and research... To learn more about QR code integration, please visit my blog post:  QR Code Binge! Happy integrating!

   

Changing Education Paradigms

I stumbled upon this video while working on another QR code packet… very interesting.  I love the "big picture" thinking.  It's hard to fit kids in the mold required by specific standards and especially standardized testing AND excite them and engage them at a high level.  That's the balance we walk as educators.  I'd be curious to hear what you think about this video and this speaker's opinions...

There are many more interesting videos about education by Sir Ken Robinson available on You Tube.