QR Codes & Layered Reality

QR Codes: With so many students having access to a camera, be it on their smartphones, tablets, or Chromebooks, QR Codes have become increasingly popular in the educational setting. Simply scanning the small, square image allows students access to web-based text, maps, videos, or other useful information and tools. Two ways in which I feel QR Codes could be used in the library are with promotional materials and book connections.

1.   Promotional Materials: Bookmarks, fliers, and posters are just a few of the places librarians can place QR codes. The codes can link to the library website, program calendar, electronic databases, or other important resources.

2.   Book Connections: In placing QR Codes on book covers or on posters on book displays, students could have access to book summaries, author interviews, and book trailers. Librarians could also use QR Codes to link books with read-alikes, such as, “If you liked ______, then check out these other books” as a way to promote other books in the library.

I created the QR Code below for the library website we were asked to create.

Technology/Maker Exploration: The following nine technologies will be addressed further at the Summer Institute next week, which is definitely a good thing because I know very little about them. In doing some quick research to get a better understanding of the technologies, I have realized that every one of these technologies, while different, would be a great way to introduce students to programming in an educational setting.

1.   Ozobots are little toy robots that integrates the physical and digital worlds.

2.   Spheros are small spherical robots that roll around through the use of Bluetooth, can spin, flip, and change color.

a.   While I understand Spheros are able to be used through Bluetooth on a mobile device, how do they actually work, especially since much of the research I did showed them being used by preschoolers and kindergarteners?

b.   What happens when the Sphero gets wet, either from water or paint?

c.   How difficult are they to use, especially in regards to younger children?

3.   Makey-Makey is a small invention that allows the user to turn everyday objects into a touchpad that interacts with a computer program.

4.   Little Bits Kits teach coding principles as students build and program games.

5.   Google Expeditions is a virtual-reality teaching tool that allows educators to take their classes on virtual field trips. (How had I never heard of this before???)

a.   What is needed to use Google Expeditions, beyond a computer?

b.   Are there pre-set expeditions, or do teachers need to create their own?

c.   How can educators ensure that students stay in the specified “location” without straying elsewhere?

6.   Paper Circuits are working circuits on paper that are made with normal, everyday objects. Students can utilize paper circuits to help enhance their book projects. To an elementary-aged student, I think they would find it amazing that simple household items, when combined, can create a working light circuit to add pizzazz to their projects. 

7.   Aurasma allows users to create or view augmented reality experiences that blend the physical and digital using a mobile device's camera.

a.   How does Aurasma benefit student learning?

b.   What are some of the benefits of using Aurasma over other augmented reality experience apps?

c.   How can Aurasma engage students?

8.   Green Screens, just like in Hollywood, allow students to be part of their assignment.

9.   Creating memes with the photo editing app Aviary could allow students to create memes in response to current events.