I discovered the world of QR Codes last year and they have quickly found their way into heavy rotation in my classroom. I was initially hesitant because they seemed like they might be too difficult or too complicated, but it turns out that my fears were unfounded. Here are 5 ways that QR Codes can be used in the math classroom.
#1 Task Cards
Adding QR codes allows students to use task cards and get immediate feedback. The versatility of task cards already makes them great, but with QR codes they get just a little more awesome.
#2 Partner Games- Cooperative
Working in partners, students tackle problems together. When they arrive at an answer, they can immediately check if they are correct. I add random points to each problem that students earn when they are correct. My students love this approach and I hear such great math talk when they’re working. They also are the ones who initiate conversations with me when they don’t understand why a given answer is right.
#3 Small Group Duel
Students compete with each other to answer questions. They each have their own problem to solve. When they think they have a right answer, they use the QR code to check their answer. I add another QR code to award a random amount of points for each question too. They love competing to see who can earn the most points, and they get really excited when they answer a question and earn 1000 points! For an example of what I mean, check out my Multi-Step Equations QR Code Game. My students loved this game to review solving equations.
#4 Reveal Questions in a Gallery Walk
Set up papers around the room in stations with QR codes. Give students a graph, and then at each station they scan the QR code to get a different question to answer about their graph. Or, armed with an answer sheet to record their work, students move from station to station with each QR code revealing a different problem.
#5 Choice Board
Incorporate a little bit of chance into class by setting up a choice board with QR Codes. Students choose a square containing a task to complete, and then scan the QR code to see what they need to do. When they finish that square, they move on to the next task on the choice board.
Getting started with QR Codes
QR code activities are easy to create. Simply use one of the several free QR code reader (my favorite is QR Stuff) programs to create a QR code, and copy/paste it into a document. Students can either use a QR code reader app on an iPad or their phone, or they can use an online QR reader if you have class computers with cameras (I’ve used webqr.com , which is also another easy place to create them with). Check them out- I know they’ll be a hit with your students. Or, if you don’t want to create your own, I have a few QR Code Games available in my TPT store!
Want to try it out with a free QR code game for two-step equations? Download 5 Free Math Games HERE to try this QR code game and 4 other engaging math activities.
Thanks so much for reading. Until next time!
