Good Things Come…
Good things come to those who blog.
Just recently I received a notification that my dynamic QR code over here »
was about to expire due to new regulations. I was a little disappointed, but figured “hey, we had a good run little QR guy, I guess it’s time to part ways”. Then I decided to take a little action. I simply tweeted @trakqr and asked about a free educators account. Lo and behold, my wildest dreams came true and here we are, scanning and making QR’s for the classroom and otherwise. Overall I’m really glad that the folks over at TrakQR realized I wasn’t going to be breaking any records for QR scans and I am really using it for classroom purposes. Turns out, tech guys can be pretty awesome, so long as you speak the language.
Speaking of waiting, I’ve also just finished up my Master’s Degree in Ed. Leadership. As a believer in waiting for the right opportunity, my family and I have decided that we are going to hold off on going haywire applying for jobs and only apply for the right opportunity for myself and my family. This means less stress, more family time, and a commitment to doing the best I can in the situations that are right for me. Funny how a little perspective and a few life events can lead you to decisions that seem a bit more like indecision, but that’s how life is sometimes.
So for now, my next step is to figure out how to turn those little QR’s into something more like an in class learning game. I am currently reading Reality is Broken by Jane McGonigal and WOW. What a great book. Though I am not finished, I hope that she writes about the implications gamification might have on a classroom. My head was spinning last night with ways I could get my kids to level up while they were powered down, and I just need a little time to put something together. QR’s, ARG’s, Self-motivated work, engaging material and interest, and education could blow the top off of what we are currently doing in schools. It is SO much work on the front end, but I’d love to see the final product if a system of this nature is implemented. Perhaps I can build a better mousetrap.
So thanks to the guys at TrakQR, especially Mr. Steven Trotter, for seeing the potential in the product instead of just the bottom dollar and working with educators to do great things in the classroom, and thanks to Jane McGonigal for depriving my sleep patterns as my brain races through possibilities at school. I’ll leave you all with this final thought, something else that hinges on gaming for understanding…
