QR codes offer a seamless way to direct students to online resources, homework assignments, or educational websites. They can be scanned using a smartphone or tablet, making them accessible for classroom use.
Creating a QR Code with Chrome: Step-by-Step Guide
- Open Google Chrome: Launch the Chrome browser on your desktop computer.
- Navigate to the Desired Webpage: Go to the website you want to share with your students.
- Access the QR Code Feature: Click on the address bar at the top of the browser and click on the kebab (three vertical dots)
- Generate the QR Code: Near the bottom of the popup menu look for “Save and Share” and then “Create QR Code”
- Save the QR Code: Once the QR code appears, you can save it as an image by clicking “Download” at the bottom-right corner of the QR code pop-up. Or you can copy it, ready to paste into another application.
Creating QR Codes Without Chrome
You can also easily create QR codes using websites such as QR.io. Paste in the URL of the resource you want to link to, then download the code from the site. A quick way to get the code is to use the Snipping Tool and screenshot it.
Using QR Codes in the Classroom
After creating the QR code, you can:
- Print and distribute the QR codes as handouts.
- Embed them in digital presentations or documents.
- Display them on a screen for students to scan.
Benefits of using QR Codes for Educators
By integrating QR codes into your teaching toolkit, you can enhance the learning experience and provide students with an easy way to access digital content. QR codes can be very useful if you have class devices such as tablets or chromebooks.
- Efficiency: Quickly share links without typing URLs.
- Engagement: Incorporate technology into lessons to engage digital-native students.
- Versatility: Use QR codes for a variety of educational materials.
Streamlined Classroom Management
QR codes can significantly streamline classroom management by providing instant access to:
- Attendance tracking: Students scan a QR code to mark their attendance. This could link to a Google or Microsoft form where attendance can be recorded.
- Resource distribution: Share supplementary materials without physical copies.
Interactive Learning Experiences
QR codes can turn a traditional classroom into an interactive learning environment by:
- Scavenger hunts: Create QR code-based learning activities.
- Instant feedback: Link to quizzes or surveys for real-time responses.
Differentiated Instruction
QR codes support differentiated instruction by allowing teachers to:
- Tailor resources: Direct students to resources at varying difficulty levels. Put QR codes on worksheets or on slides.
- Personalize learning: Link to content that caters to individual learning paths.
Accessibility
QR codes enhance accessibility by:
- Language support: Link to translations or multilingual resources.
- Special needs accommodation: Direct to content with audio descriptions or sign language.
Parental Engagement
Increase parental involvement by:
- Home connection: Share classroom updates and homework via QR codes.
- Event participation: Use QR codes to invite parents to school events or volunteer opportunities
By integrating QR codes into your teaching toolkit, you can enhance the learning experience and provide students with an easy way to access digital content.
Let me know any other great ways you use QR codes in the comments below.
Creating QR Codes in Google Chrome
The Whiteboard Blog - Education, Technology, AI and Science CPD and Support