QR Codes
WHAT IS A QR CODE
Definition
QR code (abbreviated from Quick Response Code) is the
trademark for a type of matrix barcode (or twodimensional bar code) first designed for the automotive
industry in Japan. Bar codes are optical machine-readable
labels attached to items that record information related
to the item. It was initially patented; however, its patent
holder has chosen not to exercise those right
QR codes can be read by many mobile devices. they can
then be used to link to a website, display a message,
business card, an email address or a phone number or
information about something.
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/QR_code
QR codes are everywhere! All you need is a smartphone,
tablet or iPod touch and an app (or two) to read a code.
But the real fun is in creating codes and thinking of ways
to use them in the classroom. QR codes are a great way
of focusing students’ attention on a task, and can be
especially useful in situations where students have poor
literacy skills.
In this workshop participants will look at various apps for
creating and reading QR codes as well as examining the
different types of QR codes. Various examples of how QR
codes can be used will be presented and you should leave
the session with ideas ready to use.
Research
Technology Enhanced Learning Blog
Since (David Hopkins) starting looking into QR Codes and how
they can be used in Higher Education (library’s, classrooms,
museums, induction, etc) there has been one name that keeps
coming up in all my searches: Andy Ramsden at Bath University.
His blog QR Codes at Bath makes for great reading for anyone
interested. He writes on all aspects of the uses of QR Codes from
Conference badges, Museums, and ticketing to uses in
educational context.
His presentation, given at the Plymouth eLearning Conference in
2009 explores the uses of QR Codes in education. It is a must-read
for anyone looking for background or uses of this growing
technology – while it may be a ‘fad’ at the moment, it has the
potential to be so much more.
Another excellent presentation on the use of QR Codes in
education and learning is from Australian, John Sandler.
A Question for You.
http://www.slideshare.net/andyramsden/qr-codes-as-a-learning-technology-1329351?from=ss_embed
Further research
• http://www.dontwastey
ourtime.co.uk/qrcodes/qr-codes-thenuts-and-bolts/
• Short URL
http://goo.gl/8jdDN
Discussion of QR codes
and some suggestions for
use
Educause wiki
• http://www.educause.edu/library/resources/7
-things-you-should-know-about-qr-codes
CREATING AND READING QR CODES
Website Creator – one of many
QR Code Creators
• http://freenuts.com/top-10-free-online-qrcode-generators/
Apps - iDevices
• http://appsineducation.blogspot.com.au/2012
/03/qr-scanner-for-ipad.html
• Some have create options, some require
payment for creation
QR code – easier using Short URL
Long URL
Short URL
EXAMPLES OF QR CODES
The city of Rio built QR Codes into the pavement to attract
onlookers. Upon scanning, the Codes led to maps, facts
and figures about the area.
The city hopes to install 30 more QR Codes in various
locations to educate visitors. Pictured below is one of the
Codes found on the sidewalks.
At the world’s largest golf facility in Mission Hills Shenzhen, China, the
largest human QR Code record was set. Roughly 2,000 of the course’s staff
members holding umbrellas made for a larger than life Code. After an aerial
photo from 270 above the ground was taken, one of the most unique and
sizable Codes on the planet.
The Code, upon scanning, leads to a campaign website promoting
sustainable eco-tourism.
Telstra
Powerhouse Museum
The Love Lace mobile application
An exhibition visit is best enjoyed
with the free mobile app for iPhone
and Android.
This app works as a companion
exhibition catalogue in your pocket.
Use the app to scan the QR codes on
the labels in the galleries to explore
each work and artist in more detail.
Focusing students’ attention on a task
Situations where students have poor literacy skills
Avoid copying long URL’s
Quick Access to sites/information
Scavenger Hunt
QR CODES IN THE CLASSROOM
Youtube
Blogs & Others
QR codes have a wealth of uses in (and out) of the language classroom. Since the
explosion in the smartphone market QR codes have become something of an
epidemic but for those who don't get what they are, in simple terms the funny
little square of monochrome pattern can be scanned with a smartphone and then
the user is directed to some other information. Now that info is usually some
marketing literature but can be a specific location on a map, a song, or a video. In
the classroom you can use them for treasure hunts or vocabulary learning. Lisa
Stevens also uses it for creating starters, plenaries and for creating talking walls
where information is revealed when the student scans a particular QR code.
Treasure Hunt/Scavenger Hunt
http://www.classtools.net/QR/
http://www.spinweb.net/blog/how-to-create-a-qr-codescavenger-hunt/
http://www.zdnet.com/blog/igeneration/50-qr-coderesources-for-the-classroom/16093
http://www.yoursmarticles.blogspot.com.au/p/qr-code-ideasand-resources.html#.UYY708qnDmI Links to paid site for
worksheets