🎥 Innovative EdTech Episode #014 Recap

The March edition of Innovative EdTech explored a powerful yet often overlooked tool in the educator’s digital toolkit – the QR code. Hosted by Tristan Heron, experienced Australian K–12 educator and founder of Evolve EdTech, this session unpacked how QR codes can enhance teaching, streamline access to resources, and engage students, staff, and the wider school community.

Why Focus on QR Codes?

Tristan believes QR codes are one of the simplest ways to connect the physical classroom with digital content. These quick response codes allow educators to deliver information instantly – whether that’s a video, document, activity or website – with a single scan. In this episode, he set out to show just how easy they are to create and how impactful they can be when used intentionally in an educational setting.

What Was Covered

In the session, Tristan guided participants through:

• A breakdown of what QR codes are and how they work in schools

• The four essential steps to using QR codes effectively: Generate, Distribute, Scan, and Access

• Step-by-step demonstrations of four simple tools to create QR codes: Canva, QR Code Generator, QR Code Monkey, and Techmad

• 30 practical examples of classroom-ready QR code applications, grouped into 10 key categories

10 Classroom Applications of QR Codes

Throughout the workshop, Tristan shared 10 practical and innovative ways educators can implement QR codes:

1. Interactive Learning Materials – Enrich worksheets and textbooks with scannable links to videos, simulations and supporting resources.

2. Digital Scavenger Hunts & Games – Build engagement through subject-based hunts, vocabulary quests and escape room-style challenges.

3. Homework & Study Guide Access – Provide students with instant access to homework portals, video explanations, and study materials.

4. Parent Communication & RSVPs – Streamline newsletters, permission notes and event RSVPs with scannable QR links.

5. Sharing Student Work – Create digital portfolios or showcase multimedia projects and artwork using QR codes.

6. Library & Book Recommendations – Use QR codes to share book trailers, author interviews and student-created reviews.

7. Instant Feedback & Surveys – Collect student voice through exit tickets, group reflections, or anonymous question submissions.

8. Staff Collaboration – Share lesson plans, PD resources and meeting agendas quickly and efficiently (with alternative access options!).

9. Digital Bulletin Boards – Modernise school announcements, club info, and lunch menus using QR-linked posters.

10. School Tours & History – Enhance visitor experiences with QR codes linking to program overviews, virtual tours, and historical site details.

A Simple Challenge

To wrap up the session, Tristan encouraged all educators to create and use at least one QR code in the coming weeks – whether it’s with students, colleagues, or parents. From linking to an instructional video to collecting student feedback or sharing event details, the possibilities are endless.

Catch the Replay

The full recording of this Innovative EdTech episode is available now on the Evolve EdTech YouTube Channel. Educators can watch at their own pace and revisit the ideas and tools shared during the session.

Or, alternatively click on the video below to watch the recording now.

📅 Next Episode: Wednesday 14 May
Topic: 10 Ways to Use EdTech for Formative Assessment
Tristan will return with practical ideas and tools to help teachers check student understanding in creative and meaningful ways.

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