Thursday, May 17, 2012

3 Ways to Reduce Repeating Directions

Are you tired of repeating literacy station directions? How about students turning in unfinished homework because they couldn't remember what to do? QR Codes will reduce and maybe even prevent you from ever having to repeat directions again.Don't believe me? Watch this quick video about a class that is QR CRAZY! They sound pretty cool don't they? QR stands for Quick Response Codes. They were designed to allow a smartphone quick access to information without typing in a website or phone number. If you don't have a smartphone (you can use a webcam on your computer, an iPod Touch, or an iPad tablet) keep reading because you will want to get one after you hear how a QR Code will make your students sit up and listen to your directions! Here are three ideas to get you started:
1. Classroom Library:Want to get students excited about reading? Create a QR Code that links students to a book trailer or an author's website. Put the QR Codes on the book or bookshelf next to the books by that author. Students scan the code, view the video and decide if the book sounds interesting. You will never have to give directions for how to choose the right book. Check out Dover Town Library's use of QR Codes:
2. Tutorial on Worksheets:Unfortunately many students don't have the extra support they need at home. You can create short tutorials or take pictures of the solution to math problems and turn them into QR codes. If students get stuck, they can scan the QR Code for help. I would suggest using goo.gl to create the QR Code because the site tracks who and when it was scanned. This way you can tell if a student scanned the code. The days of going over homework in class are over! Watch this video to get some ideas: Click here for step by step directions.
3. Scavenger Hunt:Send students around the school, playground, or classroom by linking each QR code to a clue. After students complete the station, they scan the QR Code to discover where they should go next. You will never have to repeat directions for which station comes next. McGuffey School District in Claysville, PA has implemented many ways to use QR Codes in every subject. This video was created in 2010!
 

QR Codes are novel, fun, and easy to use. Remember to share the fun with other educators through your social media sites. If you want to learn more about QR codes, continue to follow the next few blogs as I get more detailed about QR Codes.

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