Infographics

Infographics 

If you don’t know what an infographic is, it’s the fusion of graphic design, with data. An infographic takes some data and turns it into an informational poster which uses a variety of data representation techniques to communicate the message that emerges from the data. It doesn’t necessarily have to be done on a computer; paper/pencil works well too. I’d be happy to show you some paper/pencil samples. I also have some nice templates for creating digitally.  In the meantime, here is a quick tutorial on the infographic concept. http://www.asmallbrightidea.com/pages/tutorial.html

QR Codes

QR Codes

What is a QR Code? QR stands for Quick Response. It is a bar code that can be generated and then decoded with a QR Code scanner on a mobile device, to take you to a digital destination. When scanned, the QR Code can open a web page, bring up a text message, or read a recorded message. QR Codes are commonly found on posters, signs, menus, signs and even student work.

Step 1) RecordMP3

To record an audio QR Code go to: (no sign up or registration):
http://www.recordmp3.org/
Then go to QRHacker (see above) to create the QR code.

Step 2) grhacker 

Create QR Codes for a text message, phone numbers or open a URL - (no sign up or registration - very easy to use)
http://www.qrhacker.com/

Audacity

Use Audacity to record and save file as a .wav file. Then add to DropBox (you must have DropBox downloaded to your computer). Once in Drop Box, right click the file (within Drop Box). Choose the DropBox option from the pop up menu. Select "Copy Public Link".
Now you can use QRHacker to create the QR code.

Step 3) If you need an embed code for your wiki or webpage:

Use this QR Code generator to get the html embed code
http://www.mobile-barcodes.com/qr-code-generator/

Other QR Code Creators that I haven't used: Kaywa - http://quikqr.com
QuickQR - http://quikqr.com
GoQR - http://goqr.me/
Delivr - http://delivr.com/qr-code-generator
Goo.gl - http://goo.gl

What do I do with the code?

Once the code has been generated, simply download it, copy and paste it into a document or webpage, or use the mobile-barcodes website to obtain an embedding code for your wiki or website.

Where to get a QR Code Scanner for your Phone or Mobile Device

Some come with barcode readers that are already installed. If not, just go to the app store and search. You can also Google search "QR reader for Nokia", "QR reader for Droid", "QR reader for iPhone". I use the "free QR Code Reader" for my iPhone".

Educational Uses: {for students with iPod touches (with cameras) or smart phones

* Display student artwork in the hallway. Add a QR code that provides additional info about the student or artist.
* Display student reports. Add a QR code so that parents/others can listen to a child read the report.
* Add a QR code to the back/inside of a book with a student recorded synopsis of the book/book review/info about the author.
* Create a QR code scavenger hunt in or around the school. Each new QR code provides a new clue.
* Create a QR code to take student directly to a website or video.
* Have students create a QR code to provide additional information to their resumes (for a 21st century resume). Not only will this help engage them in technical writing, but also their work will be innovative.
* Students can create the QR codes that link to content they create. If students helped create awareness around bullying or digital citizenship, for example, they might put the codes around the school or in a parent newsletter. They can take it a step further by creating codes for a local business or organization.

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Big Huge Labs - fun stuff with digital photos

Big Huge Labs

BigHugeLabs is one of my favorite sites where students can make cool stuff with digital photos. For example, using the Motivator, students can make their own inspirational/famous person or inventor motivational posters. With the Trading Card, students can feature people of honor with researched facts and a photo. The Movie Poster can feature a book and include characters, setting, plot and climax, author info, copyright, etc. or feature an explorer. If you would like to know more about BigHugeLabs, just contact me.  

http://bighugelabs.com/deck.php