Using QR codes in the special ed classroom

Kindy Segovia

by Kindy Segovia
Assistive Technology Coordinator, Kent Intermediate School District

QR codes (quick response codes), are those funny looking, square barcodes you may have seen in magazines, on signs or posters, and other locations as promotional links to a product or article. These codes have evolved into a powerful classroom tool with specific benefits for diverse learners and students with disabilities.

QR codes are easy to generate, and provide quick access to differentiated content, answers to quiz questions, math problems, and other formative assessments, alternative format materials such as audio books, videos, or interactive learning tasks, as well as book reviews or summaries. A QR code can link to a text or audio direction for a task, a picture support for vocabulary, or an introductory video for a lesson. The applications are only limited by your creativity! First, a few basics….

You will need a tool to generate QR codes. Several free options are available such as:

• QR Code Generator for computer or Chromebook
• Qrafter for iPad/iPhone
• QR Code Generator for Android devices
• QR Code Extension for Chrome (reads and generates QR codes on a computer or Chromebook

You and your students will need to download a QR code reader. Several are free and available on any device with a camera — iPad/iPhone, Android device, or computer/Chromebook. Some suggestions include:

• I-nigma for iPhone & iPad
• QR Code Reader for Android
• QR Code Extension for Chrome (reads and generates QR codes on a computer or Chromebook

Now that you have the tools needed, here are a few ideas to get you started!

Place QR codes in textbooks

Place QR codes on textbooks to link to outside content. Links could include digital content allowing access to a text reader, links to a supporting video, or links to text at a lower reading level.
QR codes on fiction and literature can provide helpful connections to book summaries, video stories or accessible versions of the book.

Create a QR code webquest

Create a QR code webquest, directing students to specific websites, with varied and differentiated content supporting a lesson or assignment. This can also be expanded into a QR code scavenger hunt, with codes placed around the classroom or around the building to get kids up and moving.

Create QR code links to functional skills

Create QR codes links to functional skills, life skills and social skills videos for non-readers. Websites such as Flocabulary (social skills and financial skills videos), WatchKnowLearn (life skills), YouTube and others have a variety of supportive and educational videos for all ages and needs.

QR Voice allows creation of an audio message

QR Voice allows creation of an audio message. This could be a task direction, correct answer to a question, definition on a flashcard, audio word wall, etc. Simply type up to 100 characters into the text box on the website, and an audio QR code link is automatically created.

Generate a personal QR code for personal ID use

Finally, a personal QR code can be generated for any individual, allowing immediate identification if lost or in need of help. If I Need Help is an organization using this technology to create QR codes for safety of individuals who may wander or are in need of assistance. Registration and creation of the individual code is free, and becomes linked with identifying information and emergency contacts. A terrific application of QR codes for every parent or guardian of a child with a disability.

Use these simple ideas to get started using QR codes with your students. Their simplicity, and options for differentiation, make them a terrific tool to enrich your lessons, engage your students, and provide the independent, alternative access many students need.