Engaging Digital Language Learners
#Edtech for teaching and learning
QR codes have been around for many years now and are scannable images containing content. Many things can be embedded in the QR code, most commonly a URL, but also plain text. The code is able to be read via the camera on a mobile device provided a QR reader or Barcode reader app is installed. There are many versions of these, so it is worth reading the reviews on your app store to find the best version. If you don't have a reader, download one now using the links here. Codes can be easily made using websites such as QRstuff or Kaywa.
QR codes are great for augmenting existing print materials with interactive content. By adding a code to a worksheet, learners can scan and open videos and other links related to the lesson. They also work well in scavenger hunts, or activities where students need to move from point to point gathering information. There are many great teaching ideas on this post.
QR & AR Tools
AR stands for Augmented Reality and is the concept of overlaying static images with dynamic content. Rather than providing a URL or text as a QR Code does, AR tools actually play video or animations directly on the screen of the mobile device as the object is scanned. Aurasma is one AR tool that has become widespread in advertising and now in education. Once Aurasma is installed on your device, it will open as a camera would - so the user can see through the device what they are aiming at. When pointed at an enabled trigger image, a dynamic overlay will appear. Trigger images and overlays can be created on the web-based Aurasma Studio or withing the app itself. It is as simple as uploading an image - the trigger - and then a video or animation - the overlay. The video below gives one idea of how Aurasma can be used in class.
QR Codes
Aurasma
Plickers
Plickers is an app for your mobile device. In a sense it is a blend of QR and AR. The app is accompanied by printable cards (as shown) that can be found on the website. There are 40 cards which each contain a unique code. A class can be set up on the website and each card allocated to a student. The cards answer multiple choice questions. By holding the card a different way, students can show there choice of answer (A,B,C,D).
Using the plickers app, the teacher can create questions for the class. The teacher then asks students to hold up their answers (cards), scans the class and the answers are recorded and displayed on the screen.
Plickers is a good tool in a context where students are unable to use mobile devices in class. It only requires the teacher to have the app installed
