QR Codes and Augmented Reality in the Classroom
The question has been asked of me recently, "How do we engage students in class who expect us to entertain them?" My answer . . . "Entertain Them!"
At least trick the students into believing they are being entertained rather than learning the standards and participating in authentic tasks that require critical thinking and are real-world applicable. In the past year I have seen teachers who incorporate Gamification, The Flipped Classroom, Augmented Reality and a plethora of other strategies to engage their students at a higher level than ever before.
Students have put in hours of extra credit to earn XP Points or be on the top of a leaderboard, create hallway displays connecting their mind-blowing virtual presentations to a static picture in the hallway, and finally start understanding math because the content is now accessible outside of class and, better yet, rewindable!
Elementary Students Scan QR Codes in P.E.
Don't get me wrong. I am not the tech person who believes incorporating cutting edge technology into the classroom should be done just because it's cool. If the technology does not enhance learning, increase stakeholder engagement or benefit students, it has no place in education.
But, when implemented correctly, I believe these tech models can only enhance the outstanding strategies many teachers already employ.
There are outstanding, veteran teachers out there who are starting to lose their touch for engaging students for a number of societal reasons. So yes, maybe it is time to stop teaching the way that used to work and start teaching the way students learn today.
Check out the PBS NewsHour Video on the "Flipped Classroom" approach below for a real-world example.
