In a previous post, I explain what QR codes are and how to make them and set them up. And I also talk about the scramble activity.
What I would like to do here is start a series of simple activities you can do using various technology.
Many people know what a scramble is. If not, it is a simple activity where you take a whole text (either an essay or a paragraph) cut it into pieces and have students reassemble it. The idea is to allow students to work with certain text features (transitions, general vs. main ideas, etc) before writing to see how those features work. These are great for higher intermediate ESL students.
Usually these are done as slips of paper that teachers cut up, and the same principles apply here. However, instead of paper you use QR codes and have students scan them with their smartphones. Keep in mind you will want them to have downloaded and tested a QR scanner before you plan to use it in an activity. Many students already have them. They can get them from their app store for iPhone or Google Play if using a Samsung phone.
What I did here was put the pieces of the text on individual blog posts and embed the links in a QR code. Instead of the extra step of using individual blog posts, you can copy and paste the paragraph into the text field on the QR generator. However, the more text you enter the less reliable the scans will be, especially by inferior scanners. Besides, these look much better showing up on the scan.
Then students go around (usually in groups), scan the QR codes, read the text and reassemble. I have them reassemble by writing on post-it notes and putting them on the board in order. Then we discuss it. HOW they knew where each part went.
This activity takes about 20 or so minutes, and you can obviously add more examples essays if you would like to take more time and make it more challenging. I like this activity as a introduction to a larger lesson, and, as you can see, it gets students up and moving and using their smartphones for academic purposes.
You know doubt noticed the embedded video above, so check it out and see how it works. If you have questions about logistics or rationale, leave them in the comment box below.
Cheers
~vince
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