> ## Documentation Index
> Fetch the complete documentation index at: https://help.classcents.com/llms.txt
> Use this file to discover all available pages before exploring further.

# QR Code Login System

> Enable secure, password-free student access with QR codes

## Overview

The QR code system provides secure, password-free access for students. Each student gets a unique **QR code** and a matching **PIN code** — both printed on a single login card. They can scan the QR (personal device) or type the PIN (shared device) to sign in.

<img src="https://mintcdn.com/joshuamakes/G5j-M0tSaQs4mL9T/images/students/qr-codes-tab.png?fit=max&auto=format&n=G5j-M0tSaQs4mL9T&q=85&s=d9b6ef44dda7e9ed71144e1c59a9d71a" alt="Classroom QR codes tab with student QR login card management" width="1600" height="1000" data-path="images/students/qr-codes-tab.png" />

## Printing Login Cards

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open the QR Codes Tab">
    From your classroom view, click **QR Codes** in the sidebar.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Select Students">
    On the **Students** sub-tab, search/sort the roster and check the students whose cards you want to print. Use the select-all checkbox to grab the whole class.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Switch to Print Cards">
    Click the **Print Cards** sub-tab. You'll see a preview of the cards laid out for printing.
  </Step>

  <Step title="Print">
    Click the **Print Cards (N)** button to open your browser's print dialog. Each card shows the student's name, their QR code, and their PIN.
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Print cards once at the start of the year, then use **Refresh Access** only when a card is lost or compromised.
</Tip>

## Distribution Methods

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Individual Printouts">
    **Best for**: Personal student folders

    * Print one QR code per student
    * Each page includes student name
    * Students keep in binder/folder
    * Easy replacement if lost

    <Check>Most common method for K-8</Check>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Class Sheet">
    **Best for**: Classroom reference

    * All QR codes on one sheet
    * Post on classroom wall
    * Students scan from board
    * Teacher keeps master copy

    <Check>Great for shared device classrooms</Check>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Laminated Cards">
    **Best for**: Durability

    * Print individual codes
    * Laminate for protection
    * Students carry like ID cards
    * Very long-lasting

    <Check>Best for frequent use classrooms</Check>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Digital Distribution">
    **Best for**: 1:1 device classrooms

    * Email/share QR code images to students
    * Students save to device
    * Bookmark direct URL instead
    * No printing needed

    <Check>Most eco-friendly option</Check>
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Using QR Codes

### For Students

<Steps>
  <Step title="Open Device Camera">
    Use phone camera, tablet, or Chromebook camera app
  </Step>

  <Step title="Scan the QR Code">
    * Point camera at QR code
    * Wait for URL to appear
    * Tap the notification/link
  </Step>

  <Step title="Instant Login">
    Browser opens directly to student's dashboard - no login form!
  </Step>
</Steps>

<Tip>
  Most modern devices recognize QR codes in the native camera app automatically!
</Tip>

### For Teachers

Monitor QR code usage:

* See last access time for each student
* Track which students are actively using dashboards
* Identify students who may need device support

## Security Features

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="Unique Nano IDs" icon="fingerprint">
    Each QR code contains a student-specific nano ID:

    * Cryptographically generated
    * Impossible to guess
    * One student per code
    * Can't be used to access other accounts
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Refresh Access" icon="arrows-rotate">
    If a card is lost or compromised:

    1. Select the student(s) on the **Students** sub-tab
    2. Click **Refresh Access**
    3. Confirm — a new QR code and PIN are generated for each selected student
    4. The old QR and PIN immediately stop working
    5. Reprint the affected cards from the **Print Cards** sub-tab

    Balances, badges, transactions, and job assignments are preserved.
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="No Personal Information" icon="user-shield">
    QR codes contain:

    * Random nano ID only
    * No student name in URL
    * No personal identifying info
    * Safe to display publicly
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Session Management" icon="clock">
    * Sessions expire after inactivity
    * Students automatically logged out
    * Must scan QR again to access
    * Prevents unauthorized access on shared devices
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Best Practices

<Check>**Explain to students**: QR codes are like personal keys - don't share them!</Check>

<Check>**Create backups**: Keep digital copies of all QR codes in secure location</Check>

<Check>**Laminate high-use codes**: Protects from wear and tear</Check>

<Check>**Test before distributing**: Verify each QR code works before giving to students</Check>

<Check>**Display classroom master**: Post all codes on wall for easy access during activities</Check>

<Check>**Regular check-ins**: Verify all students can still access their dashboards</Check>

## Printing Tips

<Tabs>
  <Tab title="Size Recommendations">
    **Optimal QR Code Sizes**:

    * **2x2 inches**: Individual cards (minimum readable size)
    * **3x3 inches**: Standard printouts (recommended)
    * **5x5 inches**: Classroom display
    * **8x8 inches**: Large format for distance scanning

    <Tip>Larger is better for classroom wall displays!</Tip>
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Print Quality">
    **Best practices**:

    * Use laser printer if possible (sharper codes)
    * Black and white is fine
    * Avoid inkjet if codes will get wet
    * High resolution (300 DPI minimum)
    * Good contrast between code and background
  </Tab>

  <Tab title="Paper Choices">
    **Options**:

    * Standard paper: Cheapest, works fine
    * Cardstock: More durable, feels premium
    * Laminated: Best protection, reusable
    * Sticker paper: Can attach to notebooks
  </Tab>
</Tabs>

## Classroom Setup Ideas

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Entry Routine" icon="door-open">
    **Morning check-in station**:

    * Codes posted by door
    * Students scan as they enter
    * Check balance and set daily goals
    * Builds routine and excitement
  </Card>

  <Card title="Technology Time" icon="tablet">
    **Device access integration**:

    * Students scan before using classroom devices
    * Shop during designated tech time
    * Combine dashboard check with learning activities
  </Card>

  <Card title="Friday Celebrations" icon="party-horn">
    **End-of-week tradition**:

    * Weekly dashboard review
    * Shopping time Friday afternoon
    * Auction participation
    * Celebrate top earnersin class
  </Card>

  <Card title="Student Folders" icon="folder">
    **Personal organization**:

    * QR code in front of folder
    * Quick access during any class time
    * Students responsible for their own code
    * Teaches personal accountability
  </Card>
</CardGroup>

## Troubleshooting

<AccordionGroup>
  <Accordion title="QR Code Won't Scan" icon="camera">
    **Try these solutions**:

    1. **Improve lighting** - QR codes need good light
    2. **Clean camera lens** - smudges prevent scanning
    3. **Hold steady** - keep camera still for 2-3 seconds
    4. **Adjust distance** - move closer or farther
    5. **Try different app** - some QR readers work better
    6. **Check for damage** - regenerate if code is torn/crinkled
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Code Scans But Shows Error" icon="triangle-alert">
    **This means**:

    * Student may have been archived/deleted
    * QR code was regenerated and this is old code
    * Database connection issue

    **Solution**:

    * Generate fresh QR code for student
    * Verify student is active in your roster
    * Contact support if persists
  </Accordion>

  <Accordion title="Student Sees Wrong Dashboard" icon="user-xmark">
    **Very rare but possible**:

    * Student scanning someone else's code
    * QR codes got mixed up during distribution

    **Solution**:

    * Verify student has correct code (name should match)
    * Regenerate all codes if widespread issue
  </Accordion>
</AccordionGroup>

## Advanced: Direct URL Access

For older students or 1:1 device environments:

Each student dashboard has a direct URL:

```
https://classcents.com/student/dashboard/ABC123XYZ
```

Students can:

* Bookmark this URL
* Type it directly
* Add to home screen on mobile devices
* Share with parents for progress viewing

<Warning>
  Keep nano IDs private! Anyone with the URL can access that student's dashboard.
</Warning>

## Parent Access

Parents can view student progress:

1. Send QR code image to parents
2. Parents scan with their phone
3. They see same dashboard as student
4. Great for parent-teacher conferences!

<Tip>
  Encourage parents to check dashboards weekly - increases accountability and family engagement with classroom!
</Tip>

## Related Topics

<CardGroup cols={2}>
  <Card title="Student Dashboard" icon="grid-2" href="/students/accessing-dashboard">
    Full overview of dashboard features
  </Card>

  <Card title="Student Features" icon="graduation-cap" href="/students/earning-spending">
    How students earn and spend currency
  </Card>
</CardGroup>