I was surprised to learn how easy it was to generate a QR code for this week’s sandbox. I tried all four of the apps but ended up using QR Stuff and QR Code Monkey to create the two codes below. The black and white one was made using QR Stuff and links viewers to a virtual field trip of the 7 Wonders of the World. I originally picked one about dinosaurs, but it did not have 360-degree views that I was hoping for so I selected a field trip to see the pyramids in Egypt. Some of the images in that one, did not show up at all so that’s when I selected the 7 Wonders of the World and this one did not disappoint. I was able to pan up and down, left and right in all of the pictures and read interesting facts about each of the locations, like the Great Wall of China, the colosseum, and the Taj Mahal. The photos were amazing and reignited a desire to travel though I may have to settle for virtual trips while paying for grad school.
The second QR code was created using QR Code Monkey. It also was very straight forward to use and allowed for customization of the code itself. I played around with the features but am not sure that the outcome was significant enough to prompt me to do it in the future. This code links to a video called Journey to the Edge of Space which I found accidentally through one of the links in the readings this week. It takes the viewer up into the atmosphere using a weather balloon. There is audio along with the video which made the experience even more immersive because I didn’t have to stop to read pertinent information. It is worth a look if you haven’t seen it before though you have to watch using the YouTube app in order to pan around in the video which I highly recommend.
QR codes seem like they have many uses in a school library setting. I liked the idea of using them to scan and learn where items are located within the library, using them to book study rooms or other equipment, and for scavenger hunts (QR Tiger, 2022). I also thought it might be a good way to manage contests at school. For example, we have trivia contests during African American history month. Students previously wrote their answers on slips of paper and turned them into the office. Recently we switched to a Google form which they filled out using their chrome books, but it seems feasible to use a QR code to manage responses using one of these apps especially in older children because most of them have cellphones.
If money were no object, another technology that seems to have immediate application in a school setting is the use of telepresence robots. We saw the benefit this technology had on a homebound student, Jasmine, at Sebasticook Valley Middle School (Double Robotics, 2015). Not only was she able to move the robot herself and direct it where she wanted to look, but she was able to speak with teachers and classmates in a more conversational way. These two features helped her feel more connected even when learning from home. We saw a similar technology used at ODU’s art gallery (Donovan, 2021). For a fee, students and the public can reserve a time to tour the gallery using the telepresence robot. Though it had its beginnings with isolating during the pandemic, the ability to visit a location without having to physically travel continues to appeal as evidenced through the many virtual field trips available.
References
Donovan, C. (2021, Mar. 17). New robot roving around art gallery at ODU, letting viewers explore exhibits. WTKR. https://www.wtkr.com/news/coronavirus/new-robot-roving-around-art-gallery-at-odu-letting-viewers-explore-exhibits
Double Robotics. (2015). Case study: Sebasticook Valley Middle School + Double Robotics [Video]. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aln1V0rtCkE
Google Arts & Culture. (n.d.). 7 new wonders of the world. Google. https://artsandculture.google.com/story/WwURFnRfOCnVEQ
QR Tiger. (2022, July 11). 10 ways to use QR codes in school libraries. https://www.qrcode-tiger.com/qr-codes-in-school-libraries
Seeker VR. (2016, Sept. 22). Journey to the edge of space (360 video) [Video]. YouTube. Journey To The Edge Of Space (360 Video) – YouTube
I almost chose the Seven Wonders field trip. I’ll have to go back and look at it. QR codes can be used for so many things. I use them in my classroom to link students to different websites and for parents to link to classroom information.
I love the idea of telepresence robots for homebound students. What a wonderful way to continue to feel connected! I also love your QR code links!
I like your idea of using the QR codes for submitting answers for contests. I forget how much you can really do with older kids who have their cell phones with them!
Jennifer, your Edge of the Earth was seriously cool. I honestly got goosebumps. Thank you for sharing!
I liked how you explored the wonders of the world. I will have to check that out myself! While I would love to see them in real life one day, it may not be a possibility. This technology is very exciting and it’s amazing how it makes you feel you are really there! I also really enjoyed hearing Jasmine’s story and the telepresence technology! It would be wonderful if more students could have the same experience as her.
Very nice! I should go on the Seven Wonders of the World VR trip. I love those kinds of tours and learning about them. I like the idea of the QR codes for a scavenger hunt, I had not thought of that idea but I think it would be very engaging.