Uses for Quick Response Codes

1.  Now that you have made a Quick Response code, how would you use them in your library?

            I really had fun with making a Quick Response code.  I see now how easy they are to use and how many ways they can be used in a library setting.  These Quick Response tags could first be used to scan and save as students walk into the library for quick contact information and general information about the library.  This could apply to visitors as well.  These tags could also be made easily for books that you would want to highlight.  This could include new books available, books that will be a topic of discussion in an upcoming book talk, and any books that might apply to a particular research project.  The type of information put into the tag could be anything that you would want students to find or focus on.  This information could include bibliographies, websites dedicated to the book, and/or author information.  There might also be a podcast available for certain books, articles, and/or magazines.

            Quick Response tags can be added to certain resources to link them to videos as well.  These different types of links to added resources can be a great addition to further research in the library and add useful components to any type of lesson plan.  There might also be many different pieces of artwork and artifacts located in a library.  I know our library has many items from different historical time periods.  There could be a Quick Response tag attached to them for further information or some type of audio commentary explaining what they are.  This could be a great way to get students interested and to learn even more.

Individual Technology Assessment

1.  As an educator, what are your present strengths and weaknesses in technology?

           I believe that my strengths with technology are pretty basic.  I can navigate a computer and the components.  I can cruise the Internet with ease.  My software strengths are word and power point.  I can also use many tools available online such as social networks, blogs, and search engines.

          My weaknesses include excel spreadsheet.  I have trouble navigating a database.  When I am given a topic, I have such a hard time sorting through which one to use, what to put in for my search, and how to find what I need.  Other than that, there aren't many things I don't play with or try to use for myself or in the classroom.

2.  How do you plan to use your strengths?

          I am using my strengths now for this degree.  I use much of this technology to keep organized, disaggregate data, and for a lot of my communication purposes.  I use a website to communicate with parents and students outside of the classroom.  I use the various pieces of equipment in my classroom for almost every lesson.  I have the kids use it to research a variety of topics all of the time.  I also set up tutorials for my students to get a lesson on better search techniques in the library. 

3.  How do you plan to address the weaknesses?

           I think addressing my weaknesses boil down to taking time out and allowing myself to become more familiar with them.  I have even used online tutorials to help me with things like access and excel.  I also ask questions!  I read a lot and I am constantly taking more and more continuing education to keep up with what is going on around me.