There are many useful reasons for learning
how to attach PDFs to QR codes. Once you know how to do this, students can open
worksheets, PowerPoint displays, informational sheets, etc. just by scanning a
QR code.
However, in order to create a QR code that
opens a document, you must first have two important things 1) a place online to
store the PDF document and 2) a unique link assigned to that document that will open
it when clicked on. Thus far, I have used Dropbox and Gmail with great results. Both are
free but require registration. As of the time I am writing this, Dropbox gives
you 2 gb of storage and Gmail gives you 5 gb.
For this post, I will share how to use Gmail to create QR codes that open PDF
documents.
1) Make sure whatever file you have created
or are using is saved as a PDF file. If you are confused about this, just
Google or ask around – it is usually just a matter of clicking on “Save
As” and changing the File Format box at the bottom to PDF.
2) Open your Gmail account (or register if
you don’t have one).
3) Click on Drive, located at the top menu
bar.
4) Click on the arrow by the Create button
and click on files.
5) Gmail automatically saves your file as
“private,” so make sure to change these setting so anyone with the
link can open it.
To do so:
a) Click on the file
you want to share and click on “share” in the bottom right-hand
corner.
b) If it doesn’t say “Anyone who has the link can view”
like it says in the image below, then you need to click on “change.”
c) From there, click on “Anyone with the link.”
d) Click save.
It should redirect you back to the box with the unique link to your file. Be
sure to copy this link.
6) Now, that you have a link connected to
your document, you can create your QR code. Go to qrstuff.com and
insert your link into the website link box and your code is ready. If you
need more instructions on how to create a web link QR code, click here.
Ideas for PDF QR Codes:
1) PowerPoint Slide Shows (once saved as
PDFs)
2) With your guidance, students can create
their own informative slide shows, save as PDFs, attach them to QR codes, and
then print them out. Display the codes on a wall in the classroom where
students can visit with scanning devices and learn from each others
projects.
3) Homework Assignments
4) ??? What ideas are you thinking of?
Share, share, share!!
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