Just in Time Learning with Microsoft Tag

Accessing and managing digital information are key skills in school, university and today’s knowledge-based economy. More and more students have access to their own mobile device like tablets or smartphones. These tools can be of great value both as receptive or productive devices. They can be used to connect students with rich learning content.

Using QR (Quick Response) codes can help learners access embedded content like webpages, text, video and audio supporting personalized learning opportunities. With Microsoft Tag teachers can produce QR codes that are editable and manageable.

In this tutorial you will:

1) Learn about the advantages of using QR codes and Microsoft Tag to support learning.

2) Learn how to create, edit and distribute Microsoft Tag.3) Learn how to scan and read created QR codes.

Tools: Microsoft Tag

ICT Skill Level Required:

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Educator Scenario

Jane is a Humanities teacher who organizes field trips and learning activities outside the classroom. She supports these trips with web-based material like video clips and webpages.

To make this available to students when they need it, she uses QR codes. By scanning the code with a mobile device the student can access information quickly on their device.

Jane uses Microsoft Tag for this. The content embedded in the QR code can be edited and managed at all times. So she doesn’t need to print out new tags in case she modifies the information in the background. With Microsoft Tag she has access to statistics to see when and how many times students have scanned her QR codes.

1. First, Download Microsoft Tag at this web link.

2. Now think of a learning activity: what are the steps the students need to take to reach the final

goals of the learning activity? For example, Jane created 4 QR codes that contained environmental data about different industries in the local community and at certain points on the field trip students were able to access the data they needed. Microsoft Tag can be used outside the classroom on field trips and they can also be used inside the classroom or for home tasks to give easy access to rich web based content.

3. Now create your QR codes. With a Live ID you can make use of all the features of Microsoft

Tag: Find out how to use Tags at this web link

4. In the code you create you can embed instructions, links to web-based material or just plain text.

With Microsoft Tag you can store up to 1000 characters.

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5. There are several types of QR code designs to choose from. You can choose the color or the plain

black and white QR codes. The result can either be printed or copied and pasted to be put on a webpage.

6. Afterwards you and your students will need to download an app to scan and read Microsoft Tag.

Windows 7 Phones have a built-in scanner and Microsoft Tag can also be used on other smart phone operating systems too.

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7. With Microsoft Tag you can edit and manage the codes you create. Unlike many other code

generators Microsoft Tag don’t need to be reprinted when the embedded content is modified.

Further Resources and Ideas

Microsoft Tag Resources

50 QR resources for the classroom

Framework Alignment

UNESCO CfT – Technology Literacy (Pedagogy, Integrate Technology) and (ICT, Basic Tools) and (Organization and Administration, Collaborative Groups)

ISTE – Facilitate and Inspire Student Learning and Creativity (1c,d), Design and Develop Digital-Age Learning Experiences and Assessments (2b,d) and Model Digital Age Work and Learning (3d)

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