QR Codes are Tech Friendly:
I don’t know what stage you are in your teaching career, but, I’d like for you to know that I didn’t become very tech friendly until my third year of teaching. Why do I mention this first? Because, as a new teacher it was daunting to overcome those milestones that happen as a beginning educator. Learning school routines, making lesson plans, learning names, behavior management, using data to drive my instruction, identifying struggling students, communicating with my team – there was a lot of new things!
It was during that third year that I felt confident in my classroom management skills to learn a new idea. I had tested the waters and found success in my Math Centers and that was when I felt confident enough to integrate a tech in class. The summer prior to my third year teaching is when I thought about starting a tech center. I had already begun using clickers to electronically grade my warm-ups (which was awesome!) and I was curious about QR Codes! I was fortunate enough to be at a district that provided a set of four computers in each classroom as well as designated computer lab days. We also had access to class sets of iPads & iTouches as well as laptops that could be checked out and reserved through the media specialist. These are key things to pay attention to when thinking about using Tech in your class! Make sure you have ample enough devices (that are secure with school approved programs)! Also, it is very wise to have a back up plan – just in case 😉
I Love QR Codes
They are so easy to use in centers or small groups even a game of SCOOT! My QR Code Task Cards include a set of 24 different questions of high and low level thinking. I love that my students can also self-check their work for immediate feedback. Students simply scan the QR Code with a QR Reader App and check their work. Their workspace document can be used to show their solutions and if they received the problem correct, simply color in the star! I do not mark students off if they received the problem wrong but they are required to fix their work on the make side to prove their understanding. This also gives you a chance to correct errors in class with a short Q/A discussion on some of the more advanced questions or review the Challenge Question at the very end!
Speaking of the challenge question, my students always get excited to scan the last QR Code which is linked to a bonus problem. They must finish all 24 Task Cards prior to attempting the Challenge Question. This allows your fast finishers to stay on task while others are still finishing their activity. It is a nice way to congratulate hard working students and a fun challenge for them!
Yes, we all worry about those tech days that go haywire but here is a tip – my QR Code Task Cards don’t require a QR Code Reader or a device – the answer key includes detailed solutions to view for students who do not have access to tech devices. This makes those days when the internet goes down – smooth! Just print that answer key and allow students to check post-activity! No more worrying and it couldn’t get any easier using this Tech Friendly Math Activity!
Here are just a few of my QR Code Task Cards!
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