For this week’s instructional presentation project, I explored how QR codes can support personalized learning using simple technologies that encourage self-paced learning. My presentation was titled “QR Codes for Personalized Learning: Using Simple Technologies to Support Self-Paced Learning.” The goal of the project was to demonstrate how an educational technology tool could support adaptive or personalized learning environments.
When I first began planning this project, I wanted to try something different rather than creating a traditional slide-by-slide presentation. I decided to experiment with Canva Whiteboard because I liked the idea of building something similar to a vision board or interactive map, where viewers could see a central topic and then explore different sections branching from it. My whiteboard design included a title in the center and six surrounding sections, each representing a different way QR codes could be used in education and training environments.
However, the whiteboard did not behave quite the way I expected. I initially assumed I would be able to animate movement across the board, similar to how presentations work in Prezi, where the viewer is guided automatically from one area to another. Unfortunately, Canva’s whiteboard tool does not currently allow you to program those kinds of movements or transitions. Because of that limitation, I ended up converting each section of the whiteboard into individual slides, essentially turning the presentation back into a slide-based format. The final presentation begins with the full whiteboard view and then transitions through the sections as separate slides.
My presentation focused on how QR codes can connect students directly to instructional resources, such as demonstration videos, tutorials, simulations, and review activities. Throughout the presentation, I included several QR codes that link to different examples so that viewers could immediately access the resources being discussed. This approach demonstrates how QR codes can support self-paced learning, learner choice, and just-in-time access to instructional support.
In hands-on technical programs like machining or workforce training, all students must meet the same performance standards. However, QR codes can still support personalized learning by giving students flexible access to resources when they need them. For example, QR codes placed near equipment could link to safety instructions, setup tutorials, or troubleshooting demonstrations. Students who need additional guidance can review those materials independently without interrupting the entire class.
One challenge I experienced during this project was keeping the presentation within the required time limit of approximately five minutes. Because I was concentrating so much on the time restriction, I found myself trying to move through the material too quickly. At times, I felt like I was thinking faster than I could speak, which caused me to stumble over a few words. Presentations normally allow more time to develop ideas, so limiting the explanation to around five minutes was difficult. That said, I was able to finish the presentation at five minutes and nineteen seconds, which is close to the target length.
Overall, this was a very valuable project. I learned more about how simple technologies like QR codes can be integrated into instruction to provide students with immediate access to learning resources. I also gained experience experimenting with different presentation formats and thinking about how visual design and structure affect the way information is communicated. While Canva Whiteboard was interesting to explore, if I were to create another interactive-style presentation in the future, I might consider using a platform specifically designed for guided movement between ideas.
Below are links to the materials associated with this project:
Overall, this assignment was a great opportunity to explore new tools and reflect on how educational technology can support personalized learning environments.
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