QR Codes as a literacy tool

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Why would you want to use it in your teaching resources?

  • Most URLs are very long and students often miss-type them when entering them
  • Most URL addresses have_underscores in the URL and you can't see them in a printed resource because the underlining that indicates the section of text is a link covers up the_underscore
  • Students who are pre-literate or who struggle with their literacy can just scan the code and it takes it to the right place straight away
  • Senior students in your classes don't have time to fluff about typing in long URL addresses, and feel that there are much more productive ways to use their class time.

What is a QR Code?

What is a QR Code
This is a QR code - it is like a bar code and when it is activated, it will take you to a website or other kind of digital information.  now you know what this is, I bet you will see them everywhere.

You need a QR Reader to be able to scan one of these with your devices camera.  QR Readers are free apps you can download to your phone or tablet.







QR code generator






There are a number of free online QR code generators that work wonderfully.  I use this one http://goqr.me/  




How do you generate a QR Code?


Go to a free QR Code generator such as http://goqr.me/
  1. Select the type of media you want the QR code to take the person to, most of the time I choose the first icon of the world as I am usually linking a website
  2. Copy the location URL of your target website into the contents box
  3. DOWNLOAD or EMBED the qr code.  Note: If you save the code for future use, then give it a sensible name as they are impossible to tell apart by looking at them.


 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

How would you use it in a resource for a class?

I always provide the URL and the Qr Code together.  Students using their phone or tablet will likely use the qr code, and students using a laptop or desktop computer will likely click on the URL link.  I often provide a paper copy of the task, but always an electronic copy to the students via our OneNoteClass or you could post it to your LMS or send it out as an email out to all the class.


Check out more cool ideas to do with QR codes here  http://www.edutopia.org/blog/qr-codes-can-do-that-monica-burns 

 

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