So you came across something that looks a bit like a cross between a barcode and that white snow you used to see on television and you’re wondering what it’s all about? These are called QR codes and they are similar to barcodes in that you can scan them to access information. But they offer a lot more possibilities than barcodes ever did. You see, barcodes could only encode numbers, whereas QR codes offer the ability to embed website URLs, phone numbers, email addresses, and any other types of links.

For the Mobile Learning Share Fair you’ll see these in locations throughout the venue as well as printed in the program and on our website here. Any smartphone with a camera and compatible app can read them (iPhone, iPod Touch, 2nd generation iPads, and many Android devices). Open your application (see list below for a few options) and scan the code, which will fire up your browser and send you to your destination.

Want to make your own QR codes? Head over to QRStuff where you can input all kinds of information and it will generate a code for you to use. We’re excited by the possibilities these offer for quickly grabbing information on mobile devices on the fly.

Applications that support QR Codes:

• QR Scanner (Free) – iPhone/iPod Touch
• QRDecoder (Free) – iPhone/iPod Touch
• Barcode Scanner (Free) – Android
• Red Laser (Free) – Android
• QR Code Scanner Pro (Free) – Blackberry

Other Resources

• QR Codes in Education
• QR Codes at a Glance

Presenter: Katie Neville, Loudoun County Public Schools

VSTE is creating a Mobile Learning Special Interest Group and you can help!  Join this session to learn more about the SIG process and get involved as we move forward with this new group.

We will look at productivity, content-area and language specific applications to benefit English Language Learners (ELLs) in the classroom. Be prepared to bring questions, concerns and your own successes to discuss and share.

Resources:

Presentation

The presentation with give you an overview of the Universal Design for Learning (UDL), resources, and ideas on how to implement “UDL”. This workshop provides an opportunity to further examine the methods and tools used for providing learning opportunities to students. With consideration of learning styles, multiple intelligences, and other individual differences, the UDL framework should be considered for all instructional design to meet the needs of all learners. The principles of UDL include multiple means of representation, expression, and engagement. Participants will explore the origins of UDL, come to understand why it should be considered, examine lessons designed with the UDL framework, and explore readily available technology that facilitates good instructional design and delivery.

Resources:

UDL Agenda

iOS_Slides_for_UDL

UDL Lesson Builder

Do you suffer from i-mares? You’re not alone; we do too. Apple’s iOS devices promise the dream experience for students and teachers, but institution management can feel like a nightmare. This session will focus on how LCPS AT developed a structure for surviving the horror associated with iOS deployment to provide students and teachers with access to these universally engaging serene solutions.

Website: http://tinyurl.com/mlcimares

Participants will partake in a lively discussion about podcasting and how this powerful tool can be used as both as a professional development tool as well as a way to engage a variety of learners. Learn specifics about podcasting including all of the following:

• What a podcast is and what a podcast isn’t
• How to subscribe to a podcast
• What you need to listen to a podcast
• How to create a podcast
• Do’s and Don’ts of podcasting
• How to build an audience
• How to use podcasting as a professional development tool
• How to maintain show notes
• Where to find music and sound effects
• And more!

Participants will walk away from the session with the ability to download a podcast, create their own podcast, and use other podcasts to improve professional development initiatives in their districts or organizations.