AR and QR Assignments

This week for class, we read about, explored, and created Augmented Reality and QR code interactives. This was something I have been interested in for some time, but have not taken the time to actually learn about and do. In the beginning, I really stressed myself out about this assignment. I read all the articles and web pages, looked at examples, played around with the apps, and couldn't wrap my brain around what I could make for this assignment. In the end, I listened to my athletic trainer's words and decided to "think smarter, not harder." I know my QR activity is simple, but it is something I am actually excited to use in my first grade classroom. I even have more ideas of QR activities to use in my classroom now, just not the time today to create them. As for the AR project, this is one I will use at the beginning of the school year with parents, but I like the idea of incorporating Zappar links when presenting to fellow teachers during professional development days. 

Reflection:

How has your thinking changed this week about technology use? About augmented learning?

     - Technology use definitely has a place in an elementary classroom. I have not always been the biggest supporter of lots of technology in the classroom, but can see where including technology based activities in varies parts of my school day. For example, at our school we are required to have the students do literacy work stations while we conduct a small group targeted reading assignment at the teacher table multiple times each day. Using the augmented learning applications I learned about in this assignment, I can develop more lessons to use during this time that can not only keep the kids engaged, but also aid in assessing their learning at those stations.

What information, facts, processes, or technologies stood out in your mind?

     - Honestly, the information was overwhelming to me. I read and watched it and just couldn't imagine how I would be able to actually do this, thus it took me a while to get started with the part of the assignment where I was actually producing something. Once I finally started playing with the programs (like we discussed early in this class), I realized it wasn't as hard as I was making it. I actually enjoyed using Zappar, but see myself using QR codes in my classroom more. 

Were there tensions that you noticed between the content and design principles for multimedia or between two principles that you used?

     - I don't know that I noticed any tension other than the stress in my head of trying to figure it all out.

What did you enjoy? Or not?

     - Once I got started and knew roughly what I wanted to make, I enjoyed using Zappar. The beginner template was very user friendly. 

How did you grow?

     - I grew as a learner during this assignment. Many times, I had to take my own advise that I give my students when something frustrates them and just breath and relax a moment before resuming. I want results and I want them fast, so learning two new processes was hard for me as I didn't get immediate results. I also learned I get more work finished at school in my quiet classroom when I send my own children to the playground as opposed to trying to work on it at home during spring break. 

Augmented Reality:

This is a poster that I would print out and have displayed at the beginning of the school year so parents can quickly access information they might need. I will add to it as I think of things. I will also print one out to send home with each child. 

QR Codes:

I created an activity using QR codes to use during literacy work stations. Prior to students entering the room, I will cut the numbered QR codes apart and post them around the room. When students are at that workstation, they will use the numbered sheet and a clipboard to walk around the room scanning QR codes and writing the word next to that number. Once every member of the group has found every word, they can scan the QR code at the bottom of their page for a fun celebration. 

Codes to post in room:

Student worksheet: