QR Codes and Augmented Reality

QR codes are a nifty way to access digital information without typing (or mistyping) a url.  Obviously it is silly to have a QR code on a website, or in this case, a blog, as it acts exactly like a hyperlink.  However, place a QR code in a classroom, hallway, museum, or office, and now you have provided a gateway to digital information with the simple use of a cellphone. 

Teachers could project a QR code during open house for parents to access and save contact information, a class calendar, or a syllabus.  Teachers can use QR codes that link to answer keys, extension activities, and various content for station-designed lesson, thereby building student independence and differentiated instruction.  I visualize a library being scattered with QR codes throughout the space.  One could link to a library map to help students navigate through the shelves (without looking too lost upon their first few times visiting).  Another could link to booklists for various required projects.  Perhaps even a document including tips on using the databases.  Below I created a QR code that links to a Google Form for submitting questions, suggestions, and comments about the library.  I would advertise this in a few places around the library. 



Augmented reality (AR) involves linking things we see in our tangible world with digital information.  Simply put, information, videos, and audio will become available to you after holding up your cellphone or tablet to capture an image around you.  Imagine walking the town and trying to decide on a restaurant.  Simply hold up your phone to capture an image of a locale and you could be provided with a menu, reviews, events, and operating hours.  Capture an image of a pair of shoes you would like to buy, and an AR app will compare prices of the same shoes at different locations.  Learning about the world around us has never been so easy or immediate.  With an augmented reality app like Aurasma, classroom teachers can create their own "auras" that transform a simple image into an interactive and engaging experience.  A poster of the Mona Lisa could prompt a video about Leonardo da Vinci or the golden ratio.  Science teachers can use AR in the classroom so students can virtually manipulate molecules or elements.  The yearbook staff could offer students the opportunity to create "auras" when their school picture is captured.  The auras could include a clip from a song that reminds them of the year, an audio file highlighting events from the year, or even a slideshow of other pictures.  Within the library I envision students viewing book trailers when capturing the cover of books.  AR is one of the coolest technologies that can be used to engage students! 

Presentation Tools and Digital Storytelling

I remember when I first learned to use powerpoint and the rush of excitement when I completed my first slide.  As a student I felt like a professional, creating presentations with beautiful transitions and formats, and always getting a kick out of my text flying or spinning or blinking into view.  Now, as a teacher/librarian, I am exasperated with powerpoint.  The backgrounds are outdated and I always seem to spend so much time adjusting text boxes and trying to get the slides to look just right.  Isn't there a tool that is easier to use but still provides that professional appeal powerpoint once conveyed?   With the enormous array of online cloud-based presentation tools available, I wanted to find a couple that could be learned in a matter of minutes but still provide the essential elements of presentation design as outlined by Garr Reynolds.

Enter Haiku Deck and Buncee. 

Presenters can create clean and professional presentations easily in Haiku Deck.  From the easy navigation on the left, simply select a slide type, complete a quick search for Creative Commons images for a background, decide on a layout, and then insert your text.  Bam, you just created your first slide.  Need a little more guidance?  Select a font/theme from the top.  Sharing the presentation is just as easy via twitter, email, facebook, or embedding on a website or blog.   However, you will need a Haiku Deck Pro account in order to export to pdf or *sigh* powerpoint.  I suppose that is a nice feature if you have sketchy internet and want to ensure your presentation can be accessed.  One thing the presentations do lack is the fancy transition feature.  But who needs it when your slides are this beautiful?

After creating a free educators account in Buncee, you will see the initial setup of your first slide is simple.  Click in one circle to add a background.  Choose from thousands of photos, solid background colors, or upload your own image (cited of course).  Decide to apply the background to one or all slides.  You can always edit or duplicate slides later.  Click in the remaining circle to add a feature such as text, animation, videos, and drawing tools.  Share your presentation with a link, embed code, via email, or social media.  You can also decide if you want your presentation to be public to the entire Buncee community.  While Buncee is not as easy and quick to create presentations as Haiku Deck, the presentations will still be of high quality and created a tad more efficiently than using powerpoint.

Happy presenting, all!