# data[].attributes.body
Google slides https://shakeuplearning.com/blog/how-to-create-drag-and-drop-activities-with-google-slides-suls027/?ck_subscriber_id=205424408

This link shows you in detail how to create drag and drop activities within google slides.

I can incorporate this into the classroom to make a drag and drop activity for subtracting. For example by putting ten apples on the tree and then asking students how many apples are left on the tree when we put three apples in the basket.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
In this video and podcast episode, I'm going to share with you a little-known secret-how to create drag and drop activities with Google Slides.

My favorite G Suite tool is Google Slides, not because it is an easy-to-use presentation tool, but because it does so much more than

just create presentations.

I frequently refer to Google Slides as the Swiss Army Knife of G Suite. It really is the most flexible tool in the entire suite.

Over the years, I have used Slides to create eBooks, cheat sheets, images, infographics, and drag and drop activities for students like Magnetic Poetry.

There are many ways for teachers to use this idea to create learning experiences for students.

The littles can practice counting by moving apples from an apple tree into a basket, as shown in the example tutorial below.

Label the parts of a frog in science.

Creative writing with a limited word bank.

Manipulate shapes and graphs in math.

Lable a numberline or timeline with a word bank.

Use a graphic organizer to analyze and organize information.

Don't spend a bundle on TPT when you can create your own!

These simple tips will help you see the possibilities of Google Slides and how you can create interactive lessons for your students.

How to Create Drag and Drop Activities with Google Slides

You can listen to the audio podcast version of this tutorial or watch the YouTube video.

If you are an experienced Google Slides user, play the podcast version below or in your favorite podcast app.

If you need more hands-on guidance, watch the screencast video tutorial below.

Be sure you are subscribed to the Shake Up Learning Channel, so you don't miss any new videos!​

The key to making drag and drop assignments is creating a background template that cannot be moved. Then add the other elements that students will click and drag around on the canvas. These elements can be images, a word bank for labeling or organizing, graphic representations of just about anything.

In the tutorial, I will show you how to create a very simple example to help you understand the features. You can create activities for any grade level, including more advanced activities than the primary example below.

This episode is sponsored by WriQ.

WriQ gives a 360-degree overview of every aspect of student writing so teachers can provide meaningful and accurate feedback to each student.

WriQ, the latest innovation from Texthelp, grades papers digitally in Google docs - saving you time for other precious instructional activities.

WriQ is establishing a new revolution for writing assessment, so join a growing community of teachers and try WriQ today.
Visit: text.help/shakeupwriting
Steps for Creating Drag and Drop Activities with Google Slides

Note: Creating drag and drop activities with Google Slides can be very simple or very intricate. Depending on what you want to create, these steps could vary.

STEP 1: Plan Your Activity and Align to Your Learning Goals

There are a million ways to use this functionality in your classroom. Before you get too excited and create a super cute background with your favorite bitmoji, take a moment to think about an activity that aligns to your learning goals.

This activity will most likely involve students moving objects, shapes, images, or even images of words into certain areas of a background. That background can be anything you want! My advice is to start simple so you understand the possibilities and improve your skills as you go.

Most importantly, choose an activity that is going to help students reach the learning goal(s) for your classroom. Dig deep into your curriculum to make this meaningful and not just using tech for tech's sake!

STEP 2: Create Your Background Image on a New Blank Slide

To keep things simple, we are going to create in Google Slides but it is worth mentioning that you could also create in Google Drawings. (These tools are very similar!)

Open a new Google Slide deck. (Tip: go to https://slides.new to open a new slide deck.)

The first thing we want to create is the background of the activity. This part will be locked and not moveable for students.

Start with the background color if you want something other than white.

To change the background: right-click (or control-click) on the slide, then click on "Change Background."

Insert the other images and objects that you want in the background of your activity. (Tip: Search for images inside of Slides (File>Insert>Image>Search the Web) to find images that are filtered for commercial use with modification.)

Layer all of the elements you want on your background. Keep in mind the background will remain stationary or "locked" in the activity. We are not adding the moving parts yet.

In the example below, I added a sky blue background, green grass as a shape, a text box for the student's name, and an image of a tree and basket.

Once you have your background elements in place, go to File>Download and download as a .PNG file (recommended for clipart style), or .JPG file (recommended for photography).

STEP 3: Create Your Activity Template

Create a new Google Slide deck.

Add a blank slide and upload the image your created as the background so it is "locked," and students cannot move it around. (Right-click (or control-click) on the slide, then click on "Change Background," then choose the image you just downloaded.)

Add the elements and objects that you want students to drag and drop, or move around to different areas on your background.

Note: If you want to create a type of word bank or answer choices that students cannot edit, you will need to create these as images in Google Slides or Drawings. You can learn how to do this in my FREE online course.

Below I added the apples and an empty text box over the name box.

Want to try it? Make a copy of my template to see how it works or use the template link. (Please do NOT request access.)

STEP 4: Assign to Students in Google Classroom

If you are using Google Classroom, you can use the option to "Make a Copy for Each Student," to create individual files for each student.

New to Google Classroom? Check out these must-have Google Classroom skills!

Or, you can use one collaborative slide deck and duplicate the slide template for each student in your classroom. This is a great way to see all of your students work in one location. And this allows students to comment on each others work or work collaboratively, depending on the type of assignment.

Podcast Question of the Week

"How can you use the interactive features of Google Slides to engage your students in new ways? What will you create? What will your students create?"

Post your answers in the Shake Up Learning community or on your favorite social platform.

Access all of the podcast questions of the week here.
Related: How to Go Fullscreen with Interactive Google Slides
Learn More About Google Slides!

I frequently refer to Google Slides as the Swiss Army Knife of the G Suite tools because it is capable of being so much more than a presentation tool. In this course, you will learn how to use Slides in new and unexpected ways in your classroom that will engage your students and make learning more dynamic!

K-12 teachers are going to LOVE THIS COURSE!

This class is perfect for beginner to intermediate users to take their skills to the next level and become a Google Slides Master!

(Prerequisite: basic knowledge of slides, how to access and create new slides.)

Learn All About the Course

What's Included?

Self-paced

Video-based lessons

3 BONUS Lessons!!!

Bonus 1: Stop-Motion Animation

Bonus 2: How to Create Magnetic Poetry with Slides and Drawings

Bonus 3: 50 Google Slides Lesson and Project Ideas

Supporting Resources

Best Practices and Tips

6 hours of professional learning credit

Purchase orders are accepted (Just email Kasey[at]ShakeUpLearning.com (replace [at] with @.)

Bulk license discounts

Get your whole team, campus, or district on board

Questions & Comments
Click here to learn more and to ENROLL TODAY!
Do you have a question you would like me to answer on the show? I'd love to hear from you!

I also love to hear from students!

Leave me a voicemail and your message could be played on the podcast!

Do You Want to Be on the Podcast?
Click here to learn more and to ENROLL TODAY!
To learn more about our process for selecting guests, please visit our show page here.

Apply for an on-air coaching episode here.

Sponsorship and Other Inquiries

If you have other questions or inquiries about the podcast, please use this contact form.

© Shake Up Learning 2023. Unauthorized use and/or duplication of this material without express and written permission from this blog's author and/or owner is strictly prohibited. Excerpts and links may be used, provided that full and clear credit is given to Kasey Bell and Shake Up Learning with appropriate and specific direction to the original content on ShakeUpLearning.com. See: Copyright Policy.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How to Create Drag and Drop Activities with Google Slides - SULS027

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
In this video and podcast episode, I'm going to share with you a little-known secret--how to create drag and drop activities with Google Slides.

# data[].attributes.body
Near pod https://nearpod.com/blog/nearpod-in-the-classroom/

This link shows several ways to incorporate nearpod into the classroom.

I can incorporate this into the classroom by using the "draw it" feature so students can use their devices as white boards and I can see and check them from my device.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Nearpod helps educators make any lesson interactive, whether in the classroom or virtual. The concept is simple. A teacher can create interactive presentations that can contain Quizzes, Polls, Videos, Collaborate Boards, and more. You can access thousands of premade K-12 standards-aligned lessons or upload your existing lessons and make them interactive using Nearpod in the classroom. Nearpod makes teaching easier with the interactive tools, resources, and content teachers need, all in one place. You can sign up for a free account today and learn 5 ways to use a free Nearpod account.

The students can access a teacher's Live Participation presentation through a code, and the teacher then moves the class through the lesson and lets students interact with the media as they go. Teachers can also opt for Student-Paced mode, where the student controls the flow of the lesson. This mode is perfect for remote learning, hybrid learning, sub days, homework assignments, or independent work. The app is web-based and works on any device with an internet connection.

10 ways to use Nearpod in the classroom

Below are just ten simple ways you can utilize this multiple-solutions-in-one tool:

1. Simple presentation delivery

At its most simple, you can use Nearpod as a substitute for other presentation tools. Instead of running a Powerpoint or Google Slides, you can utilize Nearpod and make the lesson more interactive. You can even 'drag and drop' your existing Google Slides, PDFs, and PowerPoints into the app for it to instantly create a Nearpod presentation. Then you can select from countless interactive activities and formative assessments. The presentations will be beamed to each student's device in the classroom. You also do not have to rely on students being able to see the board.

2. Personalized provision and differentiation

Following on from the idea of using Nearpod as a simple presentation tool, you could isolate the use of the app to one student or a small group. It could be that you are beaming extra teaching provisions to particular pupils during a starter. This could be the missing link that provides more support for a child with visual impairments. It could provide that extra bit of help for a low attainer in your class. You can also duplicate the lesson and modify to deliver differentiated content to your students. You can edit these lessons with personalized formative assessment activities, collect feedback, and inclusive accessibility.

3. Distributing student resources

Using the app to distribute resources is another simple way of using it in the classroom. You can fill your presentation with images or worksheets and ask the students to use the Students Notes feature to save the presentation to their drive to access the information later when studying for an exam or completing homework.

4. Live formative assessment

The app can become even more useful if you insert one of Nearpod's many formative assessment activities into your presentation. As a teacher, you can create customized Quizzes, Polls, Open-ended Questions, Matching Pairs, Draw It activities, and more. Use these tools to view their responses and check for students' understanding in real-time. The teacher can instantly gain insights into the classes' overall understanding and make adjustments on the fly.

5. Interactive gamification and activities

One simple way to implement Nearpod into your daily instruction is to have students do an interactive activity. Add interest and excitement into everyday learning with Drag & Drop, Draw It, Time to Climb, Matching Pairs, and Collaborate Board. To review a unit use the gamified multiple-choice quiz, Time to Climb. With Collaborate Board, teachers can host classroom discussions with students using an interactive board to share ideas in real-time.

6. Self-assessment

It is common practice in Primary and Secondary schools for students to assess themselves and evaluate their own confidence levels. This is usually achieved through a traffic light system that children are encouraged to draw in their workbooks. Red indicates a poor confidence level, amber indicates a fair understanding and green indicates a very good understanding of any given learning topic.

Nearpod contains the option of inserting a 'Poll'. In this situation, students' opinions are questioned. This makes the 'Polling' tool a perfect feature to use when 'traffic lighting' in the classroom. The information is then saved in the aforementioned reports!

The app also has a feature called ' Draw It' that can be built into your presentations. This beams an interactive whiteboard to the students' devices. The teacher's device will display all of the students' 'drawings' and the teacher can then 'share' individual whiteboards with the entire class. Hitting share will cause the chosen 'drawing' to appear on every device. This enables teachers to share good work and model good progressions.

8. Open-ended tasks

Nearpod in the classroom allows for creative flexibility. The 'Open-Ended Questions' feature allows the teacher to pose a question or set up a scenario for the students to respond to. With this tool, you can facilitate creative writing tasks. As a result, the advantage of using something like Nearpod for this kind of activity is that the 'Open-Ended' answers are then automatically logged in the reports.

9. Setting homework

All of the above examples revolve around the idea of using Nearpod in a Live session, but students can also engage on their own time. You can provide a Student-Paced code and they can access the Nearpod lesson at home, or anywhere with an internet connection.

10. Sharing and using pre-made resources

One way of using Nearpod involves almost no work at all. Once you log on, tap on the ' Nearpod Library ' button on the left side and it will take you to a library of pre-made Nearpod lessons. You can find interactive presentations on almost anything for K-12 made by reliable subject experts. Near down your search by using the filters on the left side, typing into the search for, or browsing around our featured content. You can search by lesson type, standards, subjects, grade levels, and keywords.

Get started using Nearpod

The customizable nature of the app means that it can be applied to any age range and teaching context. It saves you time with real-time formative assessment and session reports and helps build a connected culture in and outside of the classroom.
Sign up for free!

Interested in downloading a PDF version of this resource? Download to access at any time and share with colleagues!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Nearpod is a student engagement platform that can be used to amazing effect in the classroom. It's as useful as it is simple to use.

# data[].attributes.body
Difft

https://app.diffit.me/#topic

This is a link to the actual website we have not yet talked about AI.

# data[].attributes.body
MagicSchool

https://app.magicschool.ai/auth/signin

This is a link to the actual website we have not yet talked about AI.

# data[].attributes.body
Zoog

https://getzoog.com/augmented-reality-reading/

This link talks about how AR works with storybooks and how it is beneficial.

I can incorporate this in the classroom by downloading this app on students devices and letting students use it when reading for student engagement.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
How Augmented Reality Reading Helps Keep Kids Engaged

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
AR technology has various applications and it is finding its way into children’s story books. So, how does augmented reality reading work?

# data[].attributes.body
Youtube

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=F2ieduC3wCI

This is a link to an AR storybook on youtube. There are a lot of different AR storybooks available on youtube.

I can incorporate this in the classroom by going to youtube on the screen for the whole class to read the story together with the AR technology to engage the students in the story.

# data[].attributes.body
This link shows you how to make a QR code.

I can in corporate this in my teaching by having a QR code on my students weekly flyers for easy access to my website.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Fair reaction. For several years now, QR codes have been at the center of the popular "___ is dead" trope we marketers love to argue when talking technology. We've even debated it ourselves on this blog.

But if there's one thing the QR code debate shows you, it's that there sure isn't a consensus -- the efficacy of QR codes still hotly contested.

Nonetheless, there's no denying the popularity and convenience of the QR code. Keep reading to learn how to create your own QR code, and how you can encourage your customers to scan them when they come across your content.

What Is a QR Code?

QR codes, short for "quick response" codes, are square-shaped black-and-white symbols that people can scan using a smartphone to learn more about a product.

These encrypted squares can hold links, coupons, event details, and other information that users might want to take with them for referring to later.

QR codes usually look something like this:

Although not every QR code is shaped like a perfect square, they're most often found looking like the image above -- with varying patterns displayed inside. You'll often find them on direct mail, signage, billboards, and even commercials where you can quickly scan the code on the screen using your phone.

QR Codes vs. Barcodes

Does the rise of QR codes mean traditional barcodes are a thing of the past? Of course not. Traditional barcodes are still a common way for businesses to identify consumer packaged goods (CPGs) and manage their product inventory.

Images via Wikimedia Commons | Wikimedia Commons

However, there are a number of differences between barcodes and QR codes -- both in their uses and their characteristics. Here are three important differences:

QR Codes Are Shaped Differently

Barcodes are typically rectangular in shape, requiring scanning devices to read the barcode's data horizontally. QR codes are often square-shaped, displaying their data vertically or horizontally.

QR Codes Hold More Data

Due to a QR code's square shape, it can hold much more data than a barcode. In fact, QR codes can hold hundreds of times more encrypted characters than a barcode.

QR Codes Hold Different Data

QR codes are often used differently than barcodes. Barcodes hold key product information at the point of sale, such as the price and name of the manufacturer. QR codes offer more passive and intangible information, such as location data and URLs to promotions and product landing pages.

How Do QR Codes Work?

Originally designed in Japan for the automotive industry, marketers adopted the barcodes because of their large storage capacity and ability to translate additional information to consumers beyond what creative and/or packaging could convey.

If a consumer sees a QR code somewhere, they can take out their mobile device, download a free QR code scanning app, and "scan" the barcode to gain access to additional information, like so:

So if you wanted to create, say, a bus stop advertisement promoting your podcast, you could display a QR code on that printed ad that brings people right to your iTunes page when they scan it with their phones. Pretty simple, right?

How to Make a QR Code

The QR code creation process is pretty straightforward. Here's how to get started.

Step 1: Select a QR code generator.

There are tons of QR code generators out there. The best ones give you many options for using your QR code, and compatibility with most mobile QR code reader apps.

Best QR Code Generators

1. Kaywa

2. GOQR.me

3. Free QR Code Generator by Shopify

4. Visualead

5. The-qrcode-generator.com

6. QR Stuff

7. qr-code-generator.com

8. QR Code Monkey

9. Create QR Code by Google App Engine

Other things to look for when choosing a QR code generator are whether you can track and analyze performance, and if it allows you to design a code that's unique to your brand.

Some QR codes, for example, display logos and other icons within the code that immediately tell people what information they'll get from scanning it.

Step 2: Choose the type of content you're promoting.

Let's select one of the QR code generators above and do a walk-through together. I'll select qr-code-generator.com, one of the eight preferred QR code generators above.

First, select what type of content you want your QR code to show the person after they scan it. You can choose from one of 10 types, as shown in the screenshot below. For our purposes, we'll promote a URL that directs users to our podcast.

Step 3: Enter your data in the form that appears.

Once you select the type of content you're promoting with this QR code, a field or form will appear where you can enter the information that corresponds with your campaign.

If you want your QR code to save contact information, for example, you'll see a set of fields where you can enter your email address, subject line, and associated message.

To save a link to our podcast, we'll simply enter the URL in the field that appears, like so:

Step 4: Consider downloading a dynamic QR code.

See the option below for "dynamic"? One significant pitfall to making a QR code is that you can't edit the data it contains once you print it. But with dynamic QR codes, you can edit this data.

With a free membership to QR code generators like qr-code-generator.com, you can print a dynamic QR code, scan it, and pull up an editable form where you can modify the data your visitors will receive when they scan the QR code themselves.

Step 5. Customize it.

The fun part of creating QR codes is customizing the design of the codes to your brand. Want your code to look like your logo? Go for it. Want it to reflect your website's design scheme? No problem.

Using qr-code-generator.com, we can customize our QR code by clicking the button to the top-right, as shown in the screenshot below. Keep in mind not every QR code maker offers this design option -- depending on the QR code you're looking to generate, you might find some tools limited in their functionality.

Of course, you can customize your QR code further -- adjusting the colors, adding a logo, creating social options, and more.

Keep in mind, however, that some customizations can make it more difficult for QR code scanning apps to properly read the code. It's a good idea to generate two versions of your QR code -- one plain version and another with your preferred design.

Step 6: Test the QR code to make sure it scans.

Because a customized QR code can make it difficult for some mobile apps to "read," don't forget to check to see if the QR code reads correctly, and be sure to try more than just one reader. A good place to start is the free tool Google Goggles, which takes a picture and then tells you what link or item it "reads to."

Another great free tool is QR Code Reader, which automatically takes you to whatever it "reads." Apple's Passbook also offers a built-in QR code reader on iOS 7, so you should test to make sure your code is readable there, as well.

Step 7: Share and distribute the QR code.

A QR code won't be able to do its job unless its seen. So make sure you come up with a distribution plan for sharing the code. This could include displaying it on social media, in print ads, on clothing, or in physical locations where people will pick up there phones to scan it.

Along with sharing the code, you might also want to include text instructions in your various promotions that show less tech-savvy people how to scan it. This way there's no friction if people want to scan the code but don't know how to.

Scroll down for more tips on properly displaying a QR code.

Step 8: Track and analyze performance.

Just like any marketing campaign, you should follow up on any collateral or campaigns using QR codes to see whether they're actually working. How much traffic comes from each specific code? Are people scanning your code but not redeeming their offer once they get to the landing page? Or are they not even compelled enough to scan your QR code?

Knowing this will help you troubleshoot and adjust your poorly performing QR codes to more closely mirror those that work well. I recommend you include a UTM tracking code on your URL so you can better measure performance -- this is particularly important if you use closed-loop marketing analytics, and are used to more in-depth reporting on your campaigns.

How to Use QR Codes (And How Not to)

Now that you see how simple the QR code creation process can be, let's talk about some best practices that'll help increase the likelihood your QR code actually gets used.

Display your QR code where it's convenient for people to scan.

Put QR codes in places where scanning is easy, and there's enough time for the consumer to actually scan the code. While you may often see QR codes on billboards and TV commercials, they're not exactly the most user-friendly locations. Think of places and mediums where consumers have the time to scan the code, and, ideally, a Wi-Fi connection as well.

Optimize the QR's destination page for mobile devices.

Mobile-optimize the page to which you're sending people. Consumers will be on their phone when scanning the QR code, so they should be brought to a page with a positive mobile experience.

Include a CTA that prompts people to scan your QR code.

Offer a call-to-action (CTA) with the code -- that is to say, tell people what they're supposed to do when they see the code, and what they'll receive if they do it. Not everyone knows exactly what a QR code is, and those that do won't be motivated to scan it unless they're sure there's something worthwhile on the other side.

Don't limit your QR code to one mobile scanner.

Don't require a special QR code scanner. Your QR code should be app-agnostic so anyone can scan your code with any reader. A lower barrier to entry makes success more likely for you and the user.

Use your QR code to make someone's life easier.

Don't use a QR code just for the sake of using one. For instance, it's common for marketers to think, "How can I bridge the offline experience with the online experience? Uhhh ... QR code!" That's not wrong ... but it's not always right, either.

If you have content that makes sense to deliver to a mobile user, and you have an appropriate channel to do it (see use #1 at the beginning of this section), it's more likely your QR code will drive results. For example, in South Korea, grocery store chain Tesco drove tremendous national business growth by using QR codes in subway stations (I guess they have mobile service in their subway stations) to let riders order their groceries while they wait. It's a great example of using QR codes for the right end-goal, at the right place and time.

This article from Search Engine Journal has some more examples of good times to use QR codes, as well.

If after reading this you're not convinced QR codes are the right move -- or you just want some additional ways you can connect the offline world to the online world -- consider also adding a short, memorable URL people can type in easily on their mobile phones in your creative.

The future of QR codes could also mean an evolution -- augmented reality apps certainly stem from the same concept, after all. Consider the AR News App, which lets readers augment a newspaper story into a child-friendly article by downloading an app and hovering over stories with a special marker (sounds pretty close to a QR scanner, doesn't it?).

It may be that QR codes aren't quite dead, but just the first step in a long evolution.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
Fair reaction. For several years now, QR codes have been at the center of the popular "___ is dead" trope we marketers love to argue when talking technology. We've even debated it ourselves on this blog. But if there's one thing the QR code debate shows you, it's that there sure isn't a consensus -- the efficacy of QR codes still hotly contested.

# data[].attributes.body
This link shows several ways you can use QR codes in the classroom.

I can incorporate this in my classroom by setting up stations around the classroom and then students can scan the QR code to pull up the answer key and check their answers.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
Technology is here to stay, and there is nowhere that's truer than in classrooms from Pre-K through college. QR, or quick response, codes are one way to bring technology into your classroom and make learning more interactive and accessible. Students can use iPads or other school devices to give the QR codes a quick scan, bringing them to learning materials and activities that will enhance your classroom curriculum. There are numerous free online QR code generators to help you get started.

Here are a few fun and easy ways to use QR codes in your classroom.

1. Make learning stations

Place a few QR codes around your classroom that will take your students to short videos that reinforce concepts or websites that give further instruction and examples of what you're teaching.

2. Provide extension activities

Teachers always have one or two students that tend to finish everything really fast and then get bored. Have a few QR codes that provide extension videos, activities, or challenges so those early-finishers can stay engaged while everyone else finishes.

3. Check answers

Create QR codes that link to the answer key for assignments. When used selectively, students can check their answers, see what they did wrong, and then correct their mistakes.

Have a few QR codes that connect to photographs of what you're teaching so students can get a visual picture. You might include a picture of the brain when teaching about the human body or include photos of various historical landmarks when teaching important events in history.

5. Go on virtual field trips

Enable students to go on virtual field trips with just one scan! Now your students can have zoos, botanic gardens, famous places, and locations around the world literally at their fingertips.

6. Make book reviews

Add a few QR codes to your reading area to help students explore books they might be interested in reading. You might also use them to provide lists of books similar to the ones your students already love.

7. Streamline research

Create a file of information for your students to access and then make a QR code that links to all that information in one place. This saves the time of your students having to do research and directs them to the types of credible materials you want them to rely on.

8. Set up a digital gallery

Give parents and other loved ones a chance to see student work by making a digital gallery. Take photos of great examples of work, art projects, and other activities and make a slideshow others can access using a code.

9. Communicate with your students

Take a video of yourself explaining an important concept or, for younger kids, do a read aloud. Provide a QR code that takes students to the video.

10. Copy the museums

Many museums have little cards or displays that give important information about what you're seeing. Copy that idea in your classroom and around your school. For example, you might hang up important landmarks in your state or town with QR codes that provide historical facts, or you could hang up photos of the teachers in your school with ones that link to interesting facts about them.

11. Create fact cards or invitations

If you have an important school event coming up, such as parent teacher conferences or a holiday concert, make a QR code that links to all the facts you need your families to know. You might also make one with all the information families need to be successful in your class. Send the QR code home with students so parents know exactly what's coming and when.

12. Save paper

Instead of printing every single piece of paper you normally would, make QR codes that explain project expectations and deadlines, provide your syllabus, and more. You can also make them for your yearly school calendar and hot lunch menu, or give them to parents when they need all that important back-to-school information.

However you use QR codes in your classroom, your students will benefit. Start with the basics and some some fun with it!

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.title
12 Amazing Ways to Use QR Codes in the Classroom

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
QR, or quick response, codes are one way to bring technology into your classroom and make learning more interactive and accessible. Students can use iPads or other school devices to give the QR codes a quick scan, which can take them to learning materials and activities that will enhance your classroom curriculum.

# data[].attributes.body
This link talks about what a word cloud is.

I can incorporate this in the classroom by having students make a word cloud of words that relate to the main ideas of the story, to get students thinking about main ideas.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.readable_text
What is a Word Cloud? are created based on the frequency of words in a text. In order to create a word cloud, a template can be created using free website . Teachers can select a passage from a text students have read and copy and paste it into the text box on the site. The background color, layout, and font can be edited. Word clouds enable students to see key words, create headings, and provide prompts for discussion ( Echevarria , Vogt, Short, 2014). The more the word is used in the text, the larger it appears in the word cloud. Students integrate both visual and verbal information while integrating the use of technology as they create their own designs. provides support in a variety of different languages, which is especially helpful for students who are English Language Learners. Word clouds or can include key vocabulary words from a unit or theme and can be displayed in the classroom. Word clouds can also be used in introducing new stories or for making predictions. to make predictions is especially useful for students who are because it allows students to create their own predictions about particular content or discuss unknown words prior to reading.

Visual Representations

This image is an example of a word cloud for Little Red Riding Hood. This could be used to get s tudents excited about a new story or for making predictions about a text they are about to read. After students read a text, the assessment given could be to create a Wordle based on the main idea and details or theme.

Content Area Examples

Word clouds can be integrated in vocabulary, comprehension and writing. tudents can create a that includes new or unknown words to improve vocabulary, or look at the largest words in the word cloud to better understand the main idea and smaller words to analyze the details. This would improve overall comprehension, which is especially important for students who are . Those who are ELL would also benefit from using word clouds to make predicti ons. When it comes to writing, can be used as a self-assessment tool. Students can plug their writing into a word cloud site and see whether their intended main ideas came across as important, or incorporate new words for those that are often repeated throughout their writing.

A way to adapt the use of word clouds lesson vocabulary. Before starting a new math lesson, a word cloud can be displayed as students identify and discuss both familiar and unfamiliar words related to a particular concept. This activates prior knowledge and also serves as a formative assessment, because it gives insight as to what students already know and still need to learn. Students who are benefit from discussing targeted vocabulary as well as background knowledge, because it builds confidence. Students can also create their own word cloud during math as a review for previously taught content. After a math lesson, students can create a as a class by brainstorming words that describe what was learned.

strategy could easi ly be adapted in social studies when introducing new content or discussing famous speeches I Have a Dream by Martin Luther King, Jr . Rather than reading the entire speech, students can see a visual of the main ideas presented. Students who are can better comprehend the main ideas of speeches by focusing on key words and phrases that are easier to read. could be made using the U.S. Constitution, the thirteen original colonies, U.S. presidents, and more.

Science- Word clouds could be adapted for use in scien ce when introducing new content such as planets, the sun, stars, properties of matter, and more. Similar to other content areas, an be used to activate students' prior knowledge about particular science content or to review previously covered material. Students can work together to brainstorm and put together their own word cloud to illustrate what they already know or what they learned.

# data[].attributes.attachment_link.description
What is a Word Cloud? Word c louds are created based on the frequency of words in a text. In order to create a word cloud, a template can be created using Wordle (Jonathan Feinburg ; www.wordle.net )...

# data[].attributes.body
Word Cloud

https://wordart.com/create

This is a link a website to create a word cloud.

I can incorporate this in my classroom by having students create a word art about themselves to get to know students better on the first day.