QR Codes for Teambuilding
QR Codes
Items required for QR Codes:
- An internet connected device
- A QR Code Scanner App
QR Codes look like they are intimidating to create and use – nothing could be further from the truth! To create a QR Code you need a URL and a QR Code generator. I don’t have a favorite generator – I use Google and hit one of the top links.
Use QR codes to do a beginning of the year review with your students. Follow these steps:
- Create curriculum based questions in Google Docs. Make sure that your Google Docs are marked as view by all.
- Create a QR Codes for each question and paste that image in Word or in a different Google Doc.
- Print off the images of the QR Code that are related to your problems.
- Create a different set of QR Codes for the locations in your building/room where the problems will be posted.
- Add the next location codes to your page with the problems.
- Paste the codes all over your building (with older students) or all over your room (with younger students).
- Give students a time limit and turn them loose.
You can make this a game. You can give them time to work. You set the rules. As with other teambuilding activities, the fewer instructions you give the better. Let the students construct the team by working through the problems. It will be messy and that is ok.
What else can you do with QR Codes? Only what your imagination limits you to. Try using QR Codes as part of the learning that happens in the classroom. There is an element of suspense that happens as student approach and scan. Where will this code take us today? If you are doing a unit on space, set the QR Codes to link to solar system websites. If you are doing a math lesson, have the codes link to short videos explaining the concept.
In all of these activities have students work in groups of 3-4. Have them work together as they move through the different problems. Combine this with padlet to create a fun and exciting lesson.
As with other teambuilding activities, it is important to debrief on successes and failures, celebrate risk, and recognize the unique role each student plays in your class. Students can also blog their about their experiences, the good, bad, and ugly in a class blog. Students should also comment on at least two other blogs as well.