QR CODES are just so amazing.
Last year's art show was so amazing we thought we would try it again!
Next week our school will have our 2nd Annual Spring Art show. Our art show is not just an ordinary art show. It comes with a little twist. We made it interactive with QR codes!
We recorded the voices of all 400+ students on the website vocaroo.com. This website is so simple to use, and the best part is it allows you to create a QR code right on the website, and even share via email, facebook, or twitter.
I send an email to parents prior to the event to download a QR code app reader. Art show flyer
Parents used a QR code scanner on their device (ipad, smartphone) to scan the QR code. They then are able to hear their child talk about their art piece. Students share what their inspiration was for creating their projects, the materials they used, and the steps they took, in creating their masterpieces.
Our first year of the event, I recorded all of the students voices and it was quite time consuming. This year, I allowed the older students to record their own voices using vocaroo.
At our school, the each student selects two pieces from their portfolios to display at the art show that takes place at the end of the school year. This year, I collaborated with the art teacher and had students write reflections as they complete each piece, so they didn't have to go back and remember how they created it months later.
The QR code squares are in blue
Our 4th grade students created poetry that went along with art pieces. The QR codes are the poems they wrote with the resident poet, Susan Grigsby.
The next level:
Next year will move our art show to a new level. We want more of our students to write poetry about their artwork or A How-to- paragraph on the process, or a story about their art pieces.
How about incorporating some Aurasmas next year (augmented reality) we could take video of the art creation process, and incorporate that into the art pieces? (in other words... parents can scan the art work with the Aurasma App after subscribing to the school channel, they will see a video of their child creating their art work, and possibly discussing their art.)
Just thinking ahead…..
I love when we can incorporate technology in less likely places!
So this is the process for creating QR codes:
- Use www.vocaroo.com
- Record audio
- Save audio
- Click on the QR code link to generate a QR code
- Copy and paste the code onto a word document, then add the name of the student at the bottom. ( you may want to resize them)
The reason I put them in a word document is to label them when you are doing a large amount. When QR codes are printed they look exactly the same. Or print them as soon as they are done, and write the name of the student on the back to keep them with the right students.
I print a class at a time, and I am sure to list the order of the recordings somewhere, or add the names & class at the bottom of each QR code. You can also teach students how to do this in the computer lab or on laptops.
Before the show-- I sent home a flyer explaining the show to parents, and asking them to download a QR code reader like iNiGMA. I had ipads available for checkout. Also, remind them to bring earbuds.
Hope this helps! Much success!
cross-posted at msedtechie.blogspot.com
Patricia Brown is the Technology Integration Coach at Old Bonhomme Elementary School in Saint Louis, MO, where she implemented the first annual OB Family Tech week and Digital Learning Day. As a classroom teacher, she was awarded a $25,000 Innovative Technology grant for her school. Read her blog at msedtechie.blogspot.com.
