Using QR Codes in Speech Therapy!

Have you discovered the magic of QR codes yet?  Or do you see these little squares around town and on your favorite products and wonder, "Who created this crazy box-o-dots?".  QR Codes are really Quick Response Codes.  They are a type of matrix barcode that came to us from Japan.  The QR Code has become popular due to its fast readability and greater storage capacity compared to standard UPC barcodes that we are used to.  The QR code is read by an imaging device, such as a camera or phone.

The great thing is that kids LOVE scanning these little boxes and they are extremely motivating in therapy.  Here are a few ways that I have incorporated QR Codes into therapy recently:

Articulation Scavenger Hunts:

Create several QR codes using one of the sites below and post around your building for a fun scavenger hunt.  I posted QR code clues around the building that, when scanned, revealed the text for the next clue.  I tried to include as many of the target sounds in both the clue and the destination (This is where you draw and create masterpieces - art room).  Students began in my room with their first clue.  They scan it using the free SCAN app on my phone (or iPad - most tablets and smart phones can access a scanning app) and read the clue aloud to practice their sounds and head off to their next location.  I have about 10 clues/stops on the hunt and this takes about 20 minutes but that's mostly because my building is 3 floors and we explore it all!  I also create a worksheet on Microsoft Word that contains all of the clues and lines for filling in the answers.  You can download my example of a /r/ QR Code Scavenger Hunt here!

Vocabulary:

Create QR codes to accompany any new vocabulary task for students.  These QR codes can simply link to an image of the vocabulary to add a visual.  It can also lead them to a website with more information about the word.  To create these codes using links, simply go to a QR generator site and plug in the desired link and create the QR code.  This is also great for listening comprehension about nonfiction topics.

Homework:

How about sending a QR code home with students?  When students have smart phone, tablet, or iPod access, there are so many websites that are accessible from those devices!  It's very easy to create QR Codes and you know kids will love to scan them which may mean that they actually do their homework!  You can also upload PDFs of worksheets you have made to a public access like dropbox or google docs and send it home via a QR Code.  You can easily send instructions to parents or even e-mail the QR code (you can scan it off of a screen!) to parents.  Plus, you'll be saving trees = happy planet!

QR Voice Codes:

Scan this code with your app/computer:

So as you can hear, this fun code will say whatever you type.  This is great for use with students who are not readers.  It can be used to give clues for the scavenger hunt, give quick info about other tasks, etc.  But most of all... it's just fun!  I created this code here.  

QR Codes on Objects:
If working with younger students, you could place QR codes on objects with links to audio files that pronounce the item or to websites that give a name and definition or more information.

QR Code Materials:
Several teachers and SLPs have begun using QR codes in their materials.  These can be found by searching for QR Codes on TpT.  You can also add QR Codes to materials you have already made, including word, powerpoint, and other projects.

Social media links:
A great way to network with other SLPs, parents, and colleagues is to QR code your e-mail, twitter, address, blog, etc.  This can be added to business cards, e-mails, websites, etc.

Resource List:
QR Code Readers - Mobile Devices:
Kaywa.com QR Code Reader
QR Reader for iPhone
NeoReader
Qrafter (iPad too)

Desktop Readers (for use with webcams):
QuickMark (PC)
QuikMark (Mac)
iCandy

Code Generators:
Kaywa.com
QRStuff (Colored QRCodes - See Below!)
Delivr
snap.vu
Mobile Barcoder (Firefox add-on)
QR-Code Tag Extension (Chrome)
Qrafter (iPad/iPhone)
Barcode Generator (Android)



Be creative and include your students.  How else do you use QR Codes?  I'd love to add your suggestion to this post (with your permission!).

(Try it out - Use this purple QR Code to send others to this post!)