Above is a phonics activity that I made for early elementary school! Feel free to check it out - there are directions on the sheets and plenty of QR codes to utilize! Also above are a sampling of a few QR codes within the activity above them. For a sneak peek of the activity, scan the QR codes!
QR codes are very useful in the classroom! They are codes that, when scanned, direct you to a website. They can be particularly helpful for helping students get to websites you want them to visit, whether in class or at home, and ensures that they get to the correct site (no typing errors like if they had to type in a website name). You can also use them to plan fun activities for your classes, like scavenger hunts. They can also be used for homework help. A lot of different things can be done in the classroom with QR codes, and they can really come in handy if you know contexts in which to use them!
QR codes fit into the Danielson Framework in domains 1 (Planning and Prep) and 3 (Instruction). For domain 1, they fit into demonstrating knowledge of resources and designing coherent instruction because utilizing QR codes means you understand how to make QR codes and integrate them into classroom activities, and you are able to place them within contexts where QR codes are appropriate to be used. Knowing how to use the codes efficiently is very important because you cannot use them out of place or else you'll leave students confused. There has to be a purpose behind why you are using the codes, so being able to use them and justify why shows impactful teaching. It also connects to domain 3 in engaging students in learning because students likely would be curious to see what you are using a QR code(s) for since it is a mystery what the code will link to until scanned and followed. QR codes can also be used for fun things in the classroom, so I think using them would be engaging to students.
I can see myself using QR codes in the classroom because of their versatility. I could use them for lessons, homework, scavenger hunts, and for open houses with parents. I feel there is so much I can do with them. For my lessons, I can put a QR code on the board and have my students go to that website and complete an activity on it or just explore the site depending on what we are learning. I could also use QR codes as an accompaniment to homework. I could give students a worksheet for homework and include a QR code(s) to help for certain questions, link(s) to videos of explanations or relevant content, or even for maybe a positive reminder that they can do well on the homework!! I can do scavenger hunts relevant to my lesson or even use them as introductions to new material. As for open houses, I could have students do a scavenger hunt around the room with their parents and potentially have prizes for those who complete it. Overall, I can definitely see myself using QR codes easily in my classroom.
QR codes relate to the 4Cs of creativity, collaboration, critical thinking, and communication in a few different ways. If students use QR codes to create a project or presentation to the class, they are being creative first by even using QR codes because that is outside of the box (I never made any QR codes in my schooling, nor did my peers ever use them in presentations). They could work in groups, meaning they are collaborating together, thinking critically on what links to put in QR codes and how they would enhance their presentation, and they would be communicating what they believe to be pertinent information by including the codes (purpose for using QR codes). They also relate to the ISTE Standards for students through the ideas of being empowered learners and creative communicators. If students are able to create their own QR codes and utilize them meaningfully in projects and more, they are using technology positively and showcasing their knowledge of tech tools. They are also creatively communicating what they believe is important information if they use QR codes themselves, and they could even get more creative by creating a game using QR codes for their classmates to enjoy and learn from.