QR Codes Make THE Perfect Presents for Your Students
This Christmas I offered my students a craft to make as a gift to their parents. I thought it best that I provide a gift to the parents during the holiday season. They are the true peeps to recognize as they pay the bills and drive the taxi. In keeping with a crafty theme, each student created a hand-made card with a special space for a QR code sticker.
Here’s a list featuring all the steps for this unique holiday gift.
1) I purchased blank cards and envelopes, holiday stickers and new markers from Hobby Lobby. As I'm a fan of coupons, I used the Hobby Lobby app for a 40% off discount on one item.
2) Each student spent Off Bench Time decorating a card which included a note about what life would be like without music. I decided upon this theme after writing my blog "What the Music Industry Can Learn From Milk."
3) During lessons, I recorded each student with my iPad. After choosing our favorite take, I uploaded the video to my YouTube Channel.
5) Next, I created an account at a free QR code generator, which allows me to create a unique a sQR code for each student's video. Learn more about QR codes and the various kinds of QR codes here.
A QR code (short for Quick Response) is a specific matrix bar code (or two-dimensional code), readable by dedicated QR bar code readers and camera phones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded can be text, URL or other data.
6) Once a code was generated, I downloaded the black and white matrix and copied each one onto an Avery Label template. I purchased these QR code stickers at Staples.
7) The stickers were placed on the appropriate place on each card and then I sealed the envelope.
8) The cards were brought to the Friday evening recital and after each student performed, I gave them their card to present to their parents.
9) Parents were emailed a link to a QR code reader app just in case they did not have one.
A number of steps, yes, but worth the effort. My students' parents were so pleased to have a treasured video literally in the palm of their hand.
