QR Codes and IWB

Publicación:

 

Link (spanish): http://www.tendenciaseducativas.es/components/com_articulos/ficheros/articulos14e.pdf

ISSN: 2173-1373

Number: 14

Date:  Mayo 2012

Citation: 

G. Cabezas, S. (2012). Códigos QR y PDI. Boletín del CITA, 14. Recovered from http://www.tendenciaseducativas.es/components/com_articulos/ficheros/articulos14e.pdf

Article:

Certainly, one of the most implemented technologies in our classrooms is the interactive board (IWB). In order to use it beyond the use of a simple blackboard where we project videos, we need to change the way we understand and use it. We have to integrate it with other technologies in the classroom and change our methodology.

The first question we ask with regards to the QR codes and the IWB is whether we can integrate one very static technology like the interactive board with another as mobile as the QR Codes. The answer is yes. There are several ways, described below.

The first way would be to use augmented reality in the classroom. For this we can use a simple webcam to display QR codes and, with augmented reality software, using three-dimensional models glued in those codes. For subjects such as art or design, the usage of the IWB, with these models, increases the teaching potential. Projects such as "A-RA! Axonometric" of the spanish student Victor Valbuena, shows that this is possible and easy.

Another option is to use tools such as Smart Document Camera 330 and the Mixed Reality Cube. With this we can manipulate 3D objects directly with the software of SMART Notebook.

Another way would be to use in an integrated way with the students mobile devices and the IWB. Here the IWB would be the neuralgic center of a treasure hunt activity. With tools like “QR Generator Treasure Hunt” we can create QR codes for the activity and then split it around the school or along the path. We  will use the IWB to show the initial codes and the instructions for the activity. Also, we can design a board game style group “Snake and ladders” and in each box add a QR code that will lead to an event.

But not only we can use it to design activities: if we are in the middle of one activity with the IWB we can insert QR codes that the students can scan with their mobile devices to go directly to a voting system like Google Spreadsheet. So we can make on-site assessments during the class or a final evaluation in a very simple way. We can even use this QR codes to give long website addresses. It is always easier and more effective to scan than to copy.

To summarize, the use of QR code on the IWB will help us to use augmented reality in our classes, to propose collaborative activities with mobile devices, to display information in an easy and effective way and to evaluate our classes. In addition, using QR codes in this way implies the use of the IWB, mobile devices, augmented reality and specific software. All this will help the digital competence and ICT skills of the students to increase.