
We added an exciting element to our Open House event this year. Parents and visitors were given the opportunity to take a QR Code Tour of the school. In case you are unfamiliar, a QR or "Quick Response" code is similar to a bar code. When scanned (using a QR-reader App), it can link to a variety of media, including a website, audio or video file. Visitors used their smartphones and other devices to scan the QR codes around the school. Information was sent home prior to the event to encourage parents to download the free app beforehand. In addition, all videos are posted below to allow access for everyone regardless of their device.
The best part about this tour, was that from start to finish it was a student project! A group of 5th grade students worked hard to select places around the school that they deemed important. They wrote scripts and recorded videos explaining what students do in these areas of the school. Students were then taught how to link these videos to QR codes. Students used visual QR codes, which allow the embedding of a picture of their choice. For example, they selected the Eiffel Tower for the French QR code and pizza for the cafeteria. The codes were posted around the school and on a giant iPad at the Garden entrance. Visitors to Open House thoroughly enjoyed scanning the codes and viewing the videos made by Ephesus students.
As a follow-up activity, the students will be creating an online survey to ask parents what they thought of the addition to Open House. They will write an article to share the results which will be published in the October issue of our student magazine. Awesome job, fifth graders!!
The best part about this tour, was that from start to finish it was a student project! A group of 5th grade students worked hard to select places around the school that they deemed important. They wrote scripts and recorded videos explaining what students do in these areas of the school. Students were then taught how to link these videos to QR codes. Students used visual QR codes, which allow the embedding of a picture of their choice. For example, they selected the Eiffel Tower for the French QR code and pizza for the cafeteria. The codes were posted around the school and on a giant iPad at the Garden entrance. Visitors to Open House thoroughly enjoyed scanning the codes and viewing the videos made by Ephesus students.
As a follow-up activity, the students will be creating an online survey to ask parents what they thought of the addition to Open House. They will write an article to share the results which will be published in the October issue of our student magazine. Awesome job, fifth graders!!

Click the links below to view the videos!