QR Codes Are More Than Just Black & White!

   
   

Image Source: https://pixabay.com/en/qr-code-scanner-bar-code-156717/

    QR codes are a valuable tool.  They can be used in so many ways.  I had learn about a tech tool when I was in a Discovering Technology for Learning online course.  I chose to review a video by Dan Spencer on QR codes provided through REMC(http://mistreamnet.org/videos/910/qr-codes or scan the code below:-)).

Here is my review of what I learned and how I would apply it in the classroom:

   I chose to learn about QR Codes because the kids like to use tech and I figured it would be a fun way for students to use tech and to check their answer by scanning a QR code.  (Thanks Dan for hosting the video! :))

Here are a list of things I learned that will be helpful for me create lessons for my students:

1. QR codes can used to link to maps, pictures, websites and documents.
2. The 3 boxes in the corner need to be visible when scanning QR codes.
3. A smart device is needed when scanning QR codes.  If one is not provided, you can take a picture of the QR code and upload that picture to snapmyinfo.com and it will read the QR code for you.  There are even some websites that allow you to scan the QR code with the camera on your computer.  
4. To make a QR code, go to a QR creator website like qrstuff.com and follow the directions on the website.
5. You need a QR code reader on your smart product to scan QR codes.
6. QR codes give students support when you are not in the classroom.  Attach answers and help on a project or worksheet to the QR codes!
7. Use for Scavenger Hunts or Stations to give students information of where they found it or what they need to do next.
8. Create a more interactive experience when learning.
9. Use QR codes to check answers when they are done with the assignment.  You won't lose the answers.  GREAT!
10. Use QR codes to link to google forms to collect data.

    Wow, so much information.  I haven't used QR codes in the classroom a lot yet but I really liked the idea of using QR codes for scavenger hunts.  I am going to create a lesson for some of my students using QR codes in a scavenger hunt.  On a side note, QR codes are GREAT for conferences when you are presenting.  Attendees can easily access your presentation by scanning the QR codes you provided.

    

#Flipclass Flash Blog

Photo taken from http://upload.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/commons/d/dc/DMI_conference.jpg

  

  Last Thursday and Friday, I attended one of the best conferences I have ever been to.  There was so much to do and learn.  I went to several sessions and followed other sessions that I was not able to attend, that I wanted to attend, on Twitter.  
    There are many ways to make the content that you get at a conference stick.  When I leave a conference, I like to review what I learned from a conference with people that went with me to see how everyone has been applying what they have learned.  I also create accounts, experiment with tools I learn about, and create assignments within within the next few days I get back from a conference.  I also found that if I teach others, that did not attend the conference about what I learned, I will remember and used what I learned more in the classroom.
    I have not presented at a conference.  I would like to have some ways to help information that I present stick.  I have applied to present at an upcoming conference and any tips and tricks would be helpful. 

Options Off The Traditional Bookshelf

 

Image taken from http://pixabay.com/p-67049/?no_redirect

    It is the end of February, and I wanted to wrap up Black History Month with a great book that I could do some close reading of with my 4th grade group.  I also felt I needed try someone else's example of close reading and compare it to how I have been doing close reading with my students.  Also, I craved something that I haven't read before and I needed more than 1 copy.  Where can I get more than 1 copy of a book that I haven't read or the students haven't read from my school's Book Room?  There are many options.
    To start, I went to readworks.org to view some of the book lesson units that they have provided on the website.  There are a variety of lesson units for each grade level.  I chose a grade level lower than what my students are at because my students are reading at a 3rd grade reading levels.  As, I was going through the list of lesson units, I noticed I didn't have most of the books that were listed.  I decided I would start browsing the digital world for the books that were listed.  I hopped over to one of my favorite websites called wegivebooks.org.  We Give Books has a splendid amount of books to choose from that parents, teachers, and students can read for free online.  I have use this website in the past do read books as a whole group with a large class and a small group with my students with learning disabilities.  I have read the book from the Promethean Board to reading books from iPads with the students.  We Give Books also has lessons and activities to go with some of their books.  A book that interested me from ReadWorks lesson units was The Boy Who Harnessed The Wind By William Kamkwamba.  I got lucky because We Give Books had that on their bookshelf.  Yay!
    To help students saffold before reading the book, I will be using Padlet for students to reflect on what they think life would be like without electricity and running clean water.  That question was apart of step 1 in the lesson from ReadWorks.  I thought it would be a great way for students to be engaged with the book and reflect at the end of the book on what they thought before reading and how they felt about it now.
    Now, I had a plan, a lesson and a book that my students would find interested.  My students and I will be reading a great book this week to wrap up Black History Month.  The students really enjoy the change of reading books on digitally on the iPad.