QR Codes for Education – the Ultimate way to Reduce Waste in the Classroom

Educational establishments in the United Kingdom get through huge volumes of paper every year. Mind-blowing amounts in fact. From exercise and text books and syllabi to timetables and handouts, it’s actually quite frightening how much goes to waste in the classroom alone. And that’s without the administration side of things.

According to Recycle Now, the average UK primary school pupil generates 45Kg of waste per academic year, whilst secondary school pupils generate 22Kg. Paper accounts for a quarter of all school rubbish.

An estimated one million paper sheets are used annually for printing per school. And 70% of ink cartridges are thrown into landfill globally. It’s a terrible prospect for the planet.

As well as the financial gains that can be made by cutting back on paper and ink usage, there’s the bigger picture to look at.

Reducing waste is ethical and moral, and if the planet is going to support future generations, then it’s essential to instil good practice from a young age. And what better way than to teach by example, by showing pupils that there ARE ways to share information and complete learning tasks WITHOUT using paper and ink.

One of those ways is by introducing student QR codes. For those who have grown up with technology, QR codes will present a very short learning curve. And the great thing is that digital learning is way more engaging, inclusive and interactive than its paper-based alternative. It’s also simple and intuitive.

Using QR codes in the classroom is a straightforward way to introduce digital learning and lose the paper handouts.

Instead of manually accessing digital resources, embedding QR codes in the teaching and learning process speeds things up. Students simply scan a code to directly access anything from reading lists to resource videos, rather than wasting time typing in links.

The case for using QR codes in the classroom

From primary and secondary schools to colleges and universities, there is a strong case for using QR codes in the classroom.

Easy to link to more engaging resources

Text books have been fine up until now, but today’s student needs something far more engaging to elevate their learning.

QR codes for students make it possible to instantly link through to interactive photo galleries, graphs, charts, diagrams and videos, all of which help students better get their heads around concepts and retain information.

Reduces paper-based learning materials

Printed handouts and worksheets, exercise books… all of these can be replaced with digital resources. As we’ve already ascertained, digital resources are far more engaging.

So let’s stop printing reams and reams and just give everyone a code to scan instead. Save money and resources, and be kind to the planet by reducing paper waste in the classroom.

Versatile - not just for learning

The overcrowded noticeboard can be swapped for a great big ‘SCAN ME’ QR code that delivers all the latest school news, after-school clubs, competitions, fundraisers and other events.

Instead of a jumble of pinned papers, students get to scan and scroll to the stuff that interests them most. And from there, they can join things, subscribe to things, share things… it’s just much more student generation and way less messy.

There’s also parent engagement. Instead of sending printed updates home with students (which, let’s face it, only end up crumpled in the bottom of a bag and forgotten until the reminder goes out), why not just email or text a QR code, or put one on the school gate noticeboard? Make life easier for parents by directing them to your latest notifications, and by letting them easily make payments for things like school trips and photos.

Educational use of QR code technology can also extend to admin, human resources, asset management and lots more.

Paper is hugely inefficient from an admin point of view. Hours and pounds are lost every year to storing, managing, processing, searching and retrieving and confidentially disposing of paper.

Switching to paperless QR codes can reduce task time immensely, and there is so much that can be done with the scan of a code, from wayfinding and attendance tracking to access control and sharing policies and procedures.

Dynamic

QR codes for students can be updated any time without the need for costly reprints. So, if something changes, it’s simply a case of digitally updating the info behind the code, and the fresh material will be available instantly.

Ready to discover how QR codes for education can reduce costs, save time and support the planet for future generations?

Embedding QR codes in the teaching and learning process offers countless benefits. From better engaging students, to reducing paper waste and streamlining the running of your educational establishment, there is a lot to love.

Ban.gl QR codes are completely customisable, and our pricing plans are easy to navigate.

Reducing the paper waste crisis is our passion. It’s why we’ve chosen to reward our customers by planting two trees on your behalf for every Bangl purchased.

There are myriad ways Bangl QR codes can improve the lives of students and faculty alike. Contact us to discuss customising your codes to fit your specific needs.