Input / Output (Fun with QR codes)
Learning Objectives:
Suggested time: 100 mins
Starter
Prior to the lesson, print out and cut out the QR codes below. (Alternatively, you can create your own using any of the links at the bottom of this page.) Hide the QR codes under or behind random input devices in or around your classroom.
At the start of the lesson, explain to students that you have hidden around the school a number of QR codes, created using QRStuff (QRStuff.com), containing videos, links and useful resources that will help them with the main task. Explain that the QR codes are hidden on different types of input devices and that students must first create a list of possible places the QR codes may be hidden by conducting some research on input devices using the Internet.
- Understand the need for input & output devices
- Describe suitable devices for a wide range of computer based scenarios
- Know how devices can be used to assist with specific needs
Suggested time: 100 mins
Starter
Prior to the lesson, print out and cut out the QR codes below. (Alternatively, you can create your own using any of the links at the bottom of this page.) Hide the QR codes under or behind random input devices in or around your classroom.
At the start of the lesson, explain to students that you have hidden around the school a number of QR codes, created using QRStuff (QRStuff.com), containing videos, links and useful resources that will help them with the main task. Explain that the QR codes are hidden on different types of input devices and that students must first create a list of possible places the QR codes may be hidden by conducting some research on input devices using the Internet.
| input_otput_qr_codes.pdf |
Part I - The great QR Hunt
Divide students into teams of three and give each team an iPad (or any web enabled device that has a camera) with QR reading software (I used QR Reader which is Free for iOS and Android devices. I also recommend Kaywa reader which is also Free for both iOS and Android).
Give students 15 minutes to find the QR codes and instruct them to take notes on what they learn from the content embedded inside each QR code. - Alternatively, if you are unable to use QR codes, place several input devices around the classroom with numbered stickers on them and ask students to find each device and explain what they are and what they might be used for. (Other alternatives to this activity can be found at the end of this blog post.)
Once all the students have returned from their QR hunt, ask students at random to explain what they have learnt.
Divide students into teams of three and give each team an iPad (or any web enabled device that has a camera) with QR reading software (I used QR Reader which is Free for iOS and Android devices. I also recommend Kaywa reader which is also Free for both iOS and Android).
Give students 15 minutes to find the QR codes and instruct them to take notes on what they learn from the content embedded inside each QR code. - Alternatively, if you are unable to use QR codes, place several input devices around the classroom with numbered stickers on them and ask students to find each device and explain what they are and what they might be used for. (Other alternatives to this activity can be found at the end of this blog post.)
Once all the students have returned from their QR hunt, ask students at random to explain what they have learnt.
Part II - Input and Output devices
After discussing with students what they had learned from the QR code hunt, explain to students about the different types of Input and Output devices and their purpose. Follow this up by discussing how some devices can be used to assist with specific needs.
Next, show students an extract from lecture 2 of the RI Christmas lectures 2008: Chips with everything – Give me a wave – demonstrating, using sunglasses, the technology behind liquid crystal displays.
After discussing with students what they had learned from the QR code hunt, explain to students about the different types of Input and Output devices and their purpose. Follow this up by discussing how some devices can be used to assist with specific needs.
Next, show students an extract from lecture 2 of the RI Christmas lectures 2008: Chips with everything – Give me a wave – demonstrating, using sunglasses, the technology behind liquid crystal displays.
Finally, instruct students to create a revision resource entitled 'Input / Output'.
Give students a choice about what revision resource to create. Suggestions:
Give students a choice about what revision resource to create. Suggestions:
- Revision wiki (See: How to create a classroom wiki)
- Video / Presentation (See: 10 alternatives to PowerPoint)
- eBook
Homework
Students, in their teams, to complete their revision resource on Input and Output devices.
Students, in their teams, to complete their revision resource on Input and Output devices.
Alternatives
QR Code readers:
QR code generators:
For a more comprehensive list of QR code resources, visit Kathy Schrock's blog (Kathy Schrock's Guide to Everything)
Unable to use QR codes.
QR Code readers:
- Kaywa.com QR code reader for mobile phones (supported phones)
- QR Scanner (iOS)
- QR Reader (iOS and Android)
- AT&T QR Code Scanner (iOS, Android, Blackberry)
QR code generators:
For a more comprehensive list of QR code resources, visit Kathy Schrock's blog (Kathy Schrock's Guide to Everything)
Unable to use QR codes.
- Place several input devices around the classroom with numbered stickers on them and ask students to find each device and explain what they are and what they might be used for.
- Hide a list of useful web addresses on input devices around the school for students to collect and research later.
