During the 33e AQUOPS conference, a workshop demonstrated several educational uses of QR codes, these abstract bar codes which can be read using a specific application and which allow information to be disseminated quickly. During this same workshop, the participants were introduced to the integration of augmented reality in the realization of class projects. Return…
What are QR codes and augmented reality?
This is the question that Claude frenette, a resource person at the local RÉCIT private education service and facilitator of the workshop in question, asked the fifty or so participants registered for his workshop. By observing their responses, we notice that they seem able to define QR codes (simple, dynamic, fast, efficient) and what they allow.
Non-variable QR codes ...
Among the QR code creation tools tested by Mr. Frenette, let us note i-nigma and qrcode.fr. Both free, these two tools are accessible via the Web via a computer or a tablet and allow the generation of simple, non-variable codes. The first, in English, offers the possibility of adding a title that will appear under the QR code, to point to a hyperlink or a personalized message of 250 characters. The second, in French, can be easily used by students. It can, of course, point to a website, but it can also point to personalized text without even needing to be connected to the Internet.
And dynamic QR codes!
In class, the QR code becomes even more interesting when it is dynamic, that is to say that it is possible to modify its destination at will. A teacher could therefore print and display a code for his students to detail the workshop for the week. The following week, it keeps the same code, but the latter will point to a different resource. Delivr.com allows you to achieve this technological feat, provided you open an account and stick to the free version which allows you to create up to 5 codes, which should be more than enough to meet your needs. These codes must be created on a computer, but they are readable by mobile devices.
Some teachers will be happy to know that BridgeURL, for its part, is able to produce a link leading to several resources at the same time. This link can, of course, be turned into a QR code. Useful when you want to quickly offer students a directory of a few links! Preschool teachers, for their part, will be able to create QR codes that point to sound files, using QRvoice.
A smart tip: Claude Frenette observes that a long URL address creates a complex QR code, which is therefore more difficult to read. He suggests going through a link shortener. His preference goes to myURL.ca, which is a Quebec service that simplifies addresses using lowercase letters only or using a personalized address.
Augmented reality
The end of the workshop was devoted to augmented reality, a slightly more complex concept. We are talking about scanning an image using an application downloaded on his mobile device and seeing this image take a 3e dimension (sound, superimposed image, animation). Difficult to conceive? I invite you to download the free application Onvert and watch this gallery. Such creations could be offered in art classes, but will require good technological skills. 4D Anatomy, Elements 4D, Aurasma and ColarApp are other augmented reality apps for iPad and Android.
To find out the details of Claude Frenette's workshop and suggestions for using them in class:
QR codes in the classroom: more powerful than you might imagine
To access his presentation:
QR Codes and Augmented Reality: Powerful Tools for Learning
To find out the suggested educational applications of QR codes in class for participants:
QR code and augmented reality: your ideas here
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