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Tune into Technology: Crazy -for- QR Codes

7/29/2014

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It is a public running joke at my school that I am CRAZY for QR codes. Tease all you want, because I’m totally fine wearing the crown of the resident QR code queen (....or crazy lady). So much of what the students are learning and reporting on involve creative, multi-media applications that simply cannot be conveyed on paper. To tie in video, audio, photo, documents, games, and more, students utilize iPads for a variety of applications. Communicating such layered projects can be tough! Using a QR code to link to a video recording, student-created webpage, portfolio link, online document or presentation is a 21st Century, interactive way to engage students, parents, and hallway bypassers in everything from center instructions to hallway displays. Get your scanners ready to be QR code crazy with Mrs. Petlak’s class!

Interactive Tech-Based Student Work Displays
Check out my Scholastic Top Teaching blog posts featuring interactive QR code use (linked below) from the 2013-2014 school year. You’ll get a kick out of some of the awesome student recordings and creative applications for this simple tech tool!  See how we use QR codes to provide interactive multi-dimensional hallway displays that provide an in-depth profile of student learning! Projects featured using QR codes include:
  • Student Pinterest boards and pins
  • Greenscreen student video reporting/recording 
  • Educreations screencast recordings
  • Hands-on math games video tutorial recordings
  • Project-based Picasso research 
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Clone the Teacher:
I know I can’t be the only teacher who wishes they could clone about 5 of me so that there were enough hands and eyes and ears to most effectively provide individual support as needed in my classroom! Since that isn’t possible (...and is a bit frightening, trust me….1 of me is enough!), using a QR code to convey meaning, instructions, and more is the next best thing! While you’re manning small group instruction, record your voice or video demo of what needs to be done at each student workstation. We actually did this for a recent STEM family event {watch for future fun posts!!} & it was hugely successful with both students and parents. Heck--you could record an ENTIRE LESSON via video or screencast and link it to a QR code! This works really well, when you have substitute teachers, too. It’s like you’re there even when you’re NOT!
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BEST . GIFTS . EVER .
As favors for our STEM family event, we filmed students using a greenscreen app, then linked a QR code to each video. Next, we created keychain tags with design on the front and corresponding student video recording QR code on the back. Now, students can scan the code and watch their video whenever they want!
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Big Time Book Use:
QR codes can be AMAZING tech tools for creating interactive books and related activities! Talk about making the magic of reading come to life!
  • Student self-recording of book read aloud
  • Teacher recording of book read aloud
  • Student-created dramatic version of book using apps such as FaceTalker & Puppet Pals.
  • Student book reviews using video or audio recordings.
  • Book movie trailers to pique interest when browsing the library searching for books.
I LOVE Sue Lynch’s twist on the traditional reading center. Let’s face it, CD recordings of audio books are becoming tough to find...and so are CD players! {I felt really, REALLY old when I had to explain to my students how to use a CD player and CD discman.  Can anyone say “child of the 80s & 90s????} Sue uses the trendy tech-appeal of iPod graphics, inserts a QR code linked to an audio recording of the book, and then, VOILA! Students scan and listen to the stories on their own handheld device. Check out her product, Listening Center Twist on Teachers Pay Teachers.
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Keep ‘Em Honest: 
Cloning yourself via QR code to help students check practice work is not only fun for your kiddos, but it helps them practice honesty, and makes quick checking for understanding simple & efficient. Simply link the answer (I use Google docs to link & share) to individual questions, task cards, or answers for an entire practice sheet to a QR code. Copy and paste the QR code onto the activity page(s) or do the old-fashioned version and PHYSICALLY {gasp!} cut and paste the printed QR code onto the activities. Our very own linky hostess-with-the-mostess, Kristin Kennedy of iTeach 1:1 has AMAZING answer & check (via QR code) activities that are perfect for student workstations that promote independence!

On the Hunt:
QR code scavenger hunts are SO . MUCH . FUN. We have used them in our classrooms for fun math facts practice, geography challenges, evidence of STEM in our school building, word hunts, and much, much more! Again, tech-teacher-extraordinaire, Kristin Kennedy of iTeach 1:1 has fab QR code scavenger hunt materials that are perfect for independent skills practice with a fun twist!

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Secret Treasures:
This year I want to make or purchase secret rewards using QR codes. Simple create a reward coupon, upload it to a share site (like Google Drive), link it to a qr code, and then print a paper coupon/ticket that has the QR code visible. Students scan the code to see their prize! Joanne Miller has a great example of such incentives with her awesome Scan To Win Reward Tickets.

I love this idea because you could use this process to make CUSTOM secret rewards. We have done something similar in the past using invisible markers with students who have individualized behavior/incentive plans. Have the child work with you to create a list of rewards he/she would love. Follow the instructions above, but program the coupons with the incentives specific to that student. When that child earns his/her reward, they will scan and receive something JUST for them!  They’ll love it.


What’s Next for this QR Code Queen?
I’m always looking for ways to expand my tech-tool use, and in the year to come, I want to try out augmented reality through apps like Aurasma. Check out this post on augmented reality by my friend, tech-wiz, and fabulous edu-blogger, Erin Klein. Similar to QR codes, this brings classroom activities and displays to life and I can’t wait to try it this school year!

Still QR Crazed?
I get it….you can’t get enough! If this is the case, you have to pop on over to 2 amazing posts by my fellow Scholastic blogger, Christy Crawford. You’ll be so inspired and adding to your to-do list that you’ll be QR crazed for days!
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Tune Into Technology Link-Up: iPad TEACHER use (Part 1)

7/23/2014

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I’m NOT suggesting that iPads will ever nor can ever replace teachers and/or real books, but I have to admit...now that I’m spoiled by using them in the classroom, I could never do without! From planning, to classroom management... assessment, to student projects and creativity, iPads are an integral cog in our classroom wheel and we don’t even have 1:1 devices! Fortunately, we are able to do some janky juggling of iPad borrowing in order to “make it work” (in the wise words of the one and only Tim Gunn) for our classroom use. See how this tech tool has turned our world upside down in the best ways possible!  {#couldn’tlivewithoutit}

TOP TEACHER TOOL: One reason iPads make me giddy is because of the usability for both students and TEACHERS.  I use my personal iPad throughout the day to keep me sane and simplify the exhaustive list of housekeeping and management tasks we do constantly. (I need a nap just thinking about it during the summer months!) Does it replace me reading real books aloud? No. Is it my best buddy throughout the day? Y-E-S

//  Heavy Hitters  //

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Class Dojo
What It Is: ClassDojo is a classroom tool that helps teachers improve behavior in their classrooms quickly and easily. It also captures and generates data on behavior that teachers can share with parents and administrators. Better learning behaviors, smoother lessons and hassle-free data — and its free! Class Dojo website

How I Use It:  Dojo points are doled out daily in our class. See my blog post on using a classroom economy to see the role Dojo points play in our daily routines. Parents of my students have the ability to view their child’s accumulated points for positive and negative behaviors any time they wish, or I am able to email a weekly report. With new messaging and student/class sharing capabilities, I can’t even IMAGINE how much more I’ll utilize this app this year (....I’m guessing nearly 24/7!!) To see how I use this app specifically for grade cards and conferences, read more on my Scholastic Top Teaching blog post!

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OpenSchool ePortfolio
What It Is:  “OpenSchool ePortfolio allows a teacher to easily create and maintain digital portfolios for an entire class or multiple classes. This FREE app incorporates multimedia tools built into mobile digital devices and has an inviting interface that motivates students to participate in the process of creating an authentic record of their academic, artistic and social growth.” –OpenSchool app description

How I Use It: This is my favorite new digital find! In our classroom, we participate in tons of project-based learning, creative ways to demonstrate our understanding, and a variety of cumulating student products. Such work requires rubric scoring, and is often difficult to physically put into a portfolio and equally problematic to share with parents. OpenSchool allows me to assign tasks and projects to individuals or the entire class.  Students (or I) then upload photos, videos, voice recordings, or other documents as evidence of work completed. Using the built-in rubric system, I am able to instantly grade the submitted projects. To see how I use this app specifically for grade cards and conferences, read more on my Scholastic Top Teaching blog post!

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iDoceo
What It Is: iDoceo is an app-based gradebook for the iPad. No Internet access is required to use it. This app will calculate averages in real time, includes features for seating, lesson plans, checklists, icon/text/number grading, and more. You may import and export information to and from this app, to make record keeping and communicating data simple and efficient. iDoceo is a not-free, but inexpensive app.

How I Use It:  I ADORE iDoceo for numerous reasons!  It’s my first year using this app, and I can’t wait to learn more functions as I further explore. Recently iDoceo made some major upgrades to their app, which will enable me to use the program even more than I already do! Currently, I’m using iDoceo to track standards taught and practiced, checklists for school forms, and behavior. It’s most useful for recording scores on non-percentage-based assignments (like projects and/or interactive student notebooks) using the 1-4 scale from our report cards and Marzano’s Levels of Thinking/Understanding. To see how I use this app specifically for grade cards and conferences, read more on my Scholastic Top Teaching blog post!


//  Quick -but- Quality  //

Class Messenger: 
Class Messenger, powered by Scholastic, has enhanced my home-school communication in the most positive ways. I’m able to send updates, reminders, photos, surveys, requests, and more instantly throughout the day. Since messages are available via phone text, app push notification, and email, there’s a way to reach every parent. Try Class Messenger to make home-school connections today!
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ClamCase Pro: 
This all-in-one, iPad keyboard, case, and stand has totally and completely changed the way I use my iPad. If I had to guess, I’d say I use it five times more while in the classroom than I previously did. Check this product out if you want to maximize the use of your tech device, both as a tablet, and a mini-laptop. It’s a bit expensive, but totally worth it. My recommendation: Don’t leave for school without it!
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Book Wizard Mobile: 
The Scholastic Book Wizard offers a searchable database of over 50,000 books from all publishers as well as a huge selection of teaching resources to help you match the right books to your students. Plus, you can search, create, and save book lists and purchase books through the Teacher Store.  

Now that Book Wizard has gone mobile, the possibilities for being more effective and efficient in managing your classroom library and creating customized book lists are endless! See the information below for specifics on this new app and start imagining all of the ways you will benefit from using it. For me, the ability to SCAN barcodes on the backs of books and instantly use my iPad or iPhone to get text information and make book lists is PRICELESS! Get Scholastic's Free Book Wizard Mobile in the App Store. To see how I use this app specifically for grade cards and conferences, read more on my Scholastic Top Teaching blog post!


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//  my FAVE Tech-sessory  //

I’m a girl who LOVES her accessories (ask anyone who works with or knows me!), and I’m not ashamed to admit that my iPad might be my #1 accessory because I use it so much! Thanks to this link-up, I can’t wait to discover new cap-APP-bilities for my fave tool.  To see how I max out use of iPads with my students, check out my Part 2 post!
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