Techie Moment ~ QR Codes and Augmented Reality

   This week we have a really fun assignment!!  I am exploring both QR Codes and Augmented Reality and how to utilize these within the library and or classroom. Let's start first with QR Codes, why because I love them!! I use these daily in my classroom. QR codes are popping up everywhere now and are very easy to use with a big impact on instruction. My kids are QR Code Crazy. What is a QR Code? Here is how I described them to some co-workers while teaching them how to create and use QR Codes in daily instruction. Let me say that this is my version of a QR Code definition ~ QR stands for Quick Response code and it stores data or information that can be accessed by scanning the code with an iPhone or Smart Phone device. Make sure you have a QR Code reader app installed to be able to scan and read the code. There are lots of sites out there that you can use to create QR Codes

•  http://www.qrcode-monkey.com/
•  http://www.qrstuff.com/ 
• http://www.i-nigma.com/CreateBarcodes.html

Now, for the fun part ~ How can you use this little darlings in the library or classroom? Oh, let me count the ways!!

1. Create a Scavenger Hunt ~ Now, this one took time to get it all together but the kids loved it. My teamies and I set up a language arts activity around our building. Our kiddos worked in pairs to complete it. One student carried the iPad and the other a clipboard and activity sheet. They had a blast finding all the codes and answering the questions !! By far a favorite!
2. I create codes for sites that we cannot bookmark on the iPads in order to reduce the risk of a student misspelling or incorrectly typing in a web address.  I create the code and label it with the name of the site it will take you to and post it on my QR Code Parking Lot Board.
3. Create a QR Code for test prep sites. Around the time we are prepping for SOL's my kiddos will scan a link to take them to an online practice site so they can take a prep test. 
4. QR codes can be set up with a list of instructions for stations or an activity. Students scan it and their instructions pop up! 
5. When our school each year does a program called, One School, One Book, I link the podcasts for each chapter reading to a QR Code that they can scan and access the reading for that day!
6. QR codes can be used to help students become familiar with different sections of the library! 

    I could go on and on about QR codes but how about showing you one? Here is a QR Code--you know I had to change the color to my happy green! Scan the code and it will take you to my weebly site (yes, it is still a work in progress) 

 Now, on to Part 2 of the assignment, augmented reality. I enjoyed exploring this tool and thinking about the many ways I could apply this tool to the library and classroom. Augmented reality allows you to use an image and overlay it with a video, when scanned, it comes to life ! Aurasma is the site that allows you to create an "aura." Take a peek at it and when you want to learn more about augmented reality let me say that the Aurasma TED talks by Matt Mills does an awesome job of bringing this topic to light in a very understandable way. Here is the link to that one ~
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=frrZbq2LpwI

  How can this technology be incorporated into the library and or classroom? I checked out Erin Klein's awesome blog , Kleinspiration (http://www.kleinspiration.com/2013/05/using-augmented-reality-via-aurasma-in.html) for some "inspiration" I loved her ideas of using augmented reality to create bulletin boards for open house. I will definitely be heading back to this site frequently.
In thinking about ways to use this in the library :

• This would be a great way to do a book report. Students could select and read their book, give a "book talk" that others could access by scanning the cover of the book.
• I like the idea from Erin Klein about making a talking word wall. Using students to create a definition of a word that would pop up when that word was scanned. 
• A great way to set up activities: like new student orientation. I bet I could get our principal to tape a tour of the school and we could have one of our student ambassadors use this to help welcome new students throughout the school year.

   Sorry for the wordy post, but there was a lot of goodies to share today! How will you use these tools in your instruction?