Taking Art Work to the 'Next Level'

It is not often that I get to help integrate technology in art classes but I was thrilled to work with two art classes so far this year (photograph and IB art).  Every year, some of our students are able to submit art work at the Deerfield Fair to be judged against other students across the state.  This year, we (to include Mrs. Hogan and Mrs. Tuttle) decided to take their art work to the next level by adding QR codes.

Students first quickly learned what a QR code was.  The purpose of this code for this particular project was to act as their voice for others to learn more about what the artwork represented.  How many times have you actually gone to an art gallery or art show and thought to yourself, 'What the heck was this artist thinking?' or 'I don't get it!'  By having a QR code next to the art work, people were able to use their mobile devices to scan and either read or listen about what the author had to say.  Below are two different approaches that students could take...

Written Reflection:
1.  Students write a reflection of the artwork using Google Docs
2.  Sharing permissions of document must be changed to 'anyone with the link'
3.  Copy the URL of the public Google Doc
4.  Paste URL at QR code generator website:  qrstuff.com
5.  Download the QR code to print

Audio Reflection:
1.  Students create a free account with Audioboo.com
2.  Practice the reflection before recording
3.  Record the audio file
4.  Copy the URL of the public audio file

5.  Paste URL at QR code generator website:  qrstuff.com
6.  Download the QR code to print
** NOTE:  It is important to note that the audio file cannot be longer than 3 minutes as that is all that is allowed in the free version of Audioboo.  This is a good practice for students to really think about what they are going to say and say it efficiently.

 

Word of caution...students will want to make sure that they shrink the size of the QR code so that the QR code does not overshadow their wonderful artwork.  You also do not want people to have to stand a half a mile away from the QR code so that they will be able to scan it!

  

This is just one quick example of how QR codes can be used in an educational setting.  If you are curious as to how you can integrate this time of tech tool, come on down and see me!  You just might be surprised as to what can be done...

Shorten a URL and Create a QR Code in One Click

As some of you know, it can be very annoying to view an important URL in a document or email due to how long it is.  While there are some websites that will actually shorten a URL for you, such as bitly, I have recently been using Google URL Shortener.


Once you have logged into your Google Apps Account, go to Google URL Shortener.  All you have to do is paste in the URL that you are interested in shortening in the given box.  Then, it will automatically add your URL to the list of any URL that you have shortened through Google's service.  (See the picture to your left).  What is cool about this list is that you are able to see how many times, people have used that shortened URL.

In addition, once you hit the details button next to the shorten URL of interest, you will find a QR code that Google already created for you.  This cuts out the 'middle man' of having to go to another website, such as Kaywa, to create your QR code for scanning purposes.

Just another great service to help you do your job efficiently.  If you have any further questions on how to use this service, you know where to find me!

Application of QR Codes

I stumbled upon this idea today from Mr. Salge.  This year, he decided to not print his class syllabus.  Instead, he gave students the sign off sheet with a QR code linking to his school webpage, where students and parents can find pertinent information.  (Picture of the handout is given on the right).

In case you are wondering, QR stands for Quick Response.  These codes are great because data is read both vertically and horizontally, allowing for much more data to be stored, compared to the bar code, which can only be read horizontally.

Making a QR code is very easy.  My favorite website to make this happen is KAWAY.  The website is qrcode.kaway.com  Once scanned, the QR code can lead to a website, personalized text, or a YouTube video.  The possibilities are endless.

How are you using QR codes in your classroom?  Sharing is caring...