Cracking the Code...

As technology continues to become a part of everyday life, teachers need to take advantage!

An idea I learned about this week was the use of a QR code.

What is a QR code?💁

• A QR code is a two-dimensional barcode that is readable by smartphones.

Where have I seen QR codes?💁

• Product boxes
• Newspapers
• Sale Papers
• Brochures
• Museums
• Stores

How is this useful for teachers?💁

A QR code on a teacher's phone📱 can:

• Scan in who did homework✏
• Choose who to call on🙋
• Present a PowerPoint without a desktop PC💻
• Digitalize and file documents🗃
• Create PDF's from whiteboard notes📋
• Conduct an assessment📝
• Project student work as a document camera🎥

How do you use a QR code?💁

          You will need a device. (This ranges from a smartphone to a desktop with a WebCam) Then you will need to download an app that will scan a QR code. 

Click on the link for your device for a free QR code scanner:

• App Store
• Google Play
• Desktops/ Laptops (Better with a WebCam)

How do you create a QR code?  💁

          Just use one of these sites!

✔✔QR stuff ~This one has more options and includes using video

✔✔Go QR~This one is simple and easy to use!

👏Great! You've cracked the code! ✊👍

Scan any of the codes throughout this blog for more information on how to use QR codes in the classroom or for yourself!

One question I have concerning QR codes is:

"How can I explain QR codes in a simple and easy way so that any age group can understand?"

Green Screen Project

Wouldn't it be great to have a fieldtrip like those featured on the Magic School Bus?

Yet, because teachers don't have a "magic school bus" we can't take our class on those exciting fieldtrip. 

With a green screen, teachers can now take their class on a fieldtrip and have a class picture or class video. 

Green screen technology is really simple and easy  to use with the right software.

Teachers can:

• Paint a wall green
• Use green wallpaper
• Hang a green table cover

Using a green screen in the classroom is fun and educational!

As a simple assignment, I would have students watch the news in the morning, then tell me a couple of things they remember. It important to have students up to date with some current events. 

Then the student would stand in a green screen and give the news that they learned that day from MEMORY!

Here is an example my cousin and I made together using the green screen:

Students can use a green screen for educational  and recreational  purposes.

I had another cousin take a smaller video talking about space after I read a book about space. He simply stated things he likes about space.

I used the "Green Screen Live Video Recording," but I wouldn't recommend it for teachers that plan on using it. This app is free and a little difficult to use. 

Will Technology Benefit or Damage Students in the Classroom?

There are those who say, "Technology will do more harm than good."
Technology can:

1. Be a distraction.😵
2. Cost money to be constantly updating.💲
3. Cause too much dependence.❓
4. Damage a student's daily encounter with others.👤
5. Make it easier for students to cheat.💬

Here are some articles to look at that explain probable issues with technology in the classroom:

• 5 Problems with Technology in the Classroom
• The Problem with Technology in Schools

There are others who say, "Keeping up with technology is key."
Technology can:

1. Bring comfort to the new generation of students.😁
2. Individualize instruction.👦👧
3. Provide resources outside of a student's environment.🗺
4. Bring creativity to a higher level.🎨
5. Make learning fun!🎆

Here are some articles that explain the benefits of using technology in the classroom:

• Benefits of Technology in the Classroom
• Why Use Technology?

What does Elizabeth say about Technology?💁

"Just like with all things, too much of something can be harmful. There should be a balance and a limit to what happens inside of the classroom. If a teacher has the resources and skill to use new technology in the classroom, then they should. The way students interact is different with every classroom. Setting a time with technology and without technology is important. Technology has many benefits, and many of them should be used. Avoiding the probable issues will be difficult, but it comes with being a great teacher."

✔✔Here are two other articles about solving some issues of using technology in the classroom:

• 6 Potential Issues of Bringing Technology in the Classroom
• Problems & Solutions with Technology in the Classroom