20 Ways To Use QR Codes In Education [Updated]
Quick, practical ideas you can use in class, at home, or on campus. Each item includes a ready-to-go example you can adapt in minutes.
Getting started: Generate QR codes from any URL or short message using your preferred tool, then print or project. Test from the back of the room. Add a short label under each code so students know what they will find.
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Warm-up Prompts
Link a QR code to a daily prompt or bell ringer (Doc or slide). Students scan on entry and begin immediately.
Example: “Scan for today’s inference prompt.” -
Quick Access to Rubrics
Place a QR on the assignment sheet or wall that opens the scoring guide.
Example: “Scan for the argument writing rubric.” See Assessment. -
Station Rotation Directions
Put a QR at each station that explains the task and time limit.
Example: “Scan for Station 3 directions and timer.” -
Model Work Gallery
QR codes on a display board link to student exemplars with brief reflections.
Example: “Scan to read why I revised paragraph 2.” -
Mini-Lessons on Demand
Link to 60–120 second skill videos (e.g., comma splices, solving a system).
Example: “Scan for a quick comma review before submitting.” -
Vocabulary Audio
Pair a printed term with a QR to a short audio pronunciation and student-made definition.
Example: “Photosynthesis — scan to hear the definition.” -
Choice Boards
Each option gets a QR that opens resources and success criteria.
Example: “Scan to choose: infographic, podcast, or op-ed.” See Critical Thinking. -
Exit Tickets
One code per class links to a 2-question form for quick formative checks.
Example: “Scan before you leave: What clicked? What’s foggy?” -
Parent Communication
Add a QR to newsletters, concerts, and open-house posters linking to schedules, maps, or sign-ups.
Example: “Scan for the fall showcase program and times.” -
Book Trailers in the Library
Tape QRs to book covers that link to student-created 60-second trailers or reviews.
Example: “Scan for a spoiler-free review.” See Literacy. -
Lab Safety & Setup
Post a QR at each lab bench with safety reminders and setup steps.
Example: “Scan for goggles, gloves, and disposal instructions.” -
Project Checkpoints
Each milestone has a QR for the checklist, exemplar, and mini-rubric.
Example: “Scan to submit your problem statement.” See Project-Based Learning. -
Scavenger Hunts
Place QRs around campus that reveal clues, content tidbits, or puzzles.
Example: “Scan to get Clue #4 and a primary-source quote.” -
SEL Check-Ins
A code opens a simple mood check with 3–4 choices and an optional note.
Example: “Scan to check in: ready, unsure, overwhelmed.” See SEL. -
Fast Feedback
Link to a 30-second pulse survey after activities or lectures.
Example: “Scan to rate how helpful the demo was (1–5).” -
Audio Descriptions & Accessibility
Add a QR near visuals that opens an audio description or transcript.
Example: “Scan to hear an explanation of the diagram.” -
Make-It-Yourself Tutorials
Students generate QRs to short tutorials they create for peers.
Example: “Scan to learn how I solved #17 two ways.” See Educational Technology. -
Community & Career Spotlights
Post QRs around a “careers wall” that link to interviews, job outlooks, or local partners.
Example: “Scan for a 2-minute interview with a civil engineer.” -
Academic Integrity Reminders
Place QRs on research tasks that open citation guides or note-taking tips.
Example: “Scan for how to paraphrase and cite correctly.” See Teaching & Pedagogy. -
Enrichment & Early-Finisher Paths
One QR points to extension menus, skill challenges, or independent study prompts.
Example: “Scan for stretch tasks connected to today’s lesson.”
- Print codes at least 1.5–2 inches square; test in low light.
- Add a short label under each code so students know the destination.
- Shorten long URLs before generating the code for faster scanning.
- Post the same QR in your LMS for absent students.