Elementary Classroom QR codes for kids
Using Technology in the
QR for Kids
Whether you are sporting a class (or even a small group) set of iPads, iTouches, or tablets, the camera option on your hardware plus a free app will give you a kid-exciting way of doing classroom business (aka learning). And you can set up hands-on activities in minutes by using QR codes. Lack a class set of hardware with web cams? Set up a QR Station with 1 computer + web cam in your classroom and watch the magic happen!
What IS a QR Code? I’m sure you’re familiar with bar codes (that’s what you’re scanning in the self- checkout lane) – the 1D series of mysterious lines that a store can translate into the name of the product and the cost. A QR code (Quick Response code) is the next step – a 2D bar code that can
contain up to 4,000 characters
of information. The concept originated in Japan in 1994 to track vehicle parts and can now be seen popping up all over the place in the US.
You’ll need a device that has a camera to take a picture of the code (cell phone, iPad, iTouch, tablet, computer with web cam), an app to do the decoding (most now will also create a code and are free), and in many instances, web access to see where the code takes you. QR codes might
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take you to a web site, show some text, give you a phone number, or generate a text message.
How do I translate a QR Code?
Most Smart Phones will have apps available for barcode/ QR code scanners - check with your phone app store. For an ipod Touch or iPad, download the free i-Nigma 4 QR code reader in iTunes.
If you have a Windows computer with web cam, you can download the free Quick Mark http://www.quickmark.
com.tw. Each of these runs the same way: open the software, aim your camera at the QR code, center the image in the ‘box’, snap a picture, and the software will decode. Simple. Sweet. Your kids will LOVE it!
Poster: QR Codes At-A-Glance
Lighting can be a problem so make sure the QR code is not under a shiny surface (e.g. page protector) and adjust lighting so there are no shadows on the code. Test your code before giving to students and have students check before turning in their codes to you. If it’s unreadable for any reason, it’s unusable. Note: PC readers are not as fast as mobile readers.
How can I make a QR Code?
Each of the QR code readers just mentioned will also create codes. You can also visit QR code creator web sites such as Kaywa
http://qrcode.kaywa.com/ or ZXing http://zxing.
appspot.com/generator/ or SnapMaze (you can make your codes in various colors!)
http://www.snapmaze.com/. Did you know Google will make web site QR codes for you? All you have to do is visit
http://goo.gl - their URL
Winter 2011-12 | MACULJOURNAL
By Marilyn Western
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