QR Code Problem Solved

Every Wednesday I use the iPad cart with my Algebra 1 students.  The cart limits the types of activities that I can do with my students because the iPad is designed to be used by one individual.


One application I keep using with the iPads is QR Codes.  In my previous post on QR codes, I was frustrated that I was unable to have math type font in any of my QR codes.  I was able to link simple text or links to websites that hosted worksheets or math problems, but I was hoping that students would just scan a code, then a math problem would appear on the screen of the iPad.  After weeks of searching for a solution, I found it!


With the help of the my new Macbook Pro and Grab utility, I was able to capture math problems that I either created in my own documents or that are already published on the web or worksheets.  I found a website called postimage.org to host my images for free.  Then used the QR code creator Kaywa to link to the image sites.   

To capture an image on a Mac, save it and then upload it:

1. Bring up a picture or document on the front of the computer screen.
2. Go into Finder (Mac) and chose Grab under the Utilities menu.
3. While the Grab is open, go the Capture menu and chose Selection.
4. Use the selection tool to take a snapshot of your desired object on the screen.
5. A box will pop up with the image that was captured.
6. Go to the File menu while the image is still open, and choose Save.
7. Save the file to wherever you usually save. 
8. Open up postimage.org (see image up to right)
9. Click on Choose File and click Upload.

Your file is now hosted on the website!

To turn your images that are hosted on postimage.org into a QR code:

1. Go back to the webpage that is hosting your image and copy the URL.
2. Open up any QR creator website.  I use Kaywa. (see right)
3. Paste the URL into the space provided.
4. Chose the size you want the QR code to be and click Generate.
5. Click on the QR Code and it will open up in a new window.
6. Print the page.

I used the above process to create nine different QR codes containing nine different math problems for this past Wednesday's class.  I taped the QR codes around the room to get the kids up and moving.  Each of my students used a QR code reader app on the iPad to scan each code.  Some students used another app to solve the problems, while other students used paper.  

At the end of the class I did a quick formative assessment, using the Exit Ticket from the Socrative App, to see if the students understood the material practiced.  

I thought the class was a success, and I was able to figure out my QR code dilemma!