QR Codes in Books for Teachers

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I’ve heard a lot of buzz over the past year or two about using QR codes in various ways with students:  linking to library scavenger hunts, online book request forms, book trailer videos, etc.  What I haven’t heard much about is using QR codes with teachers.

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QR Code sticker with link to an online lesson plan added to the book The Journey That Saved Curious George.

Our 5th grade teachers are covering World War II in social studies right now, and I offered to pull some additional fiction and nonfiction books for them to use in their classrooms.  As I was mulling over follow up activities that I could recommend for some of the books, it occurred to me that I could give teachers a “twofer” by including a QR code with a link to an online resource for each book.

 

1-QR Code Template

Click the photo to enlarge, and scan the QR Code with your smart device.

 

 

While exploring the best way to create the QR code stickers, I discovered that Avery allows you use an online template to create and print labels; you just type in the product code for the type of labels you’re using.  What’s really nice about using their service is that in addition to adding text and graphics to a label, the software will generate QR codes for you!  I’ve tried (and liked) a few different QR code sites, but I couldn’t beat the ease of copying-and-pasting a URL and having the QR code pop right up on the label.  You can save your projects at the Avery website, or download them to your computer.

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QR Code attached to the bottom of the inside of the back cover with a link to an online Teacher’s Guide to the book. A printed copy of a lesson plan was also slipped into the jacket flap.

I hope the teachers will enjoy the convenience of holding a book in one hand and a smart device in the other and previewing lesson plans, discussion guides, author information, YouTube videos, and related websites, no matter where they are.

How are you using QR Codes with your teachers?  Please share in the comments!

 

p.s.  If you’re interested, you can find the books I’ve QR Coded so far on my WWII ThingLink Channel.

 

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