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 two-dimensional 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 rightQR 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.

ResearchTechnology 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.dontwasteyourtime.co.uk/qr-codes/qr-codes-the-nuts-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-qr-code-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 applicationAn 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.

QR CODES IN THE CLASSROOM

Focusing students’ attention on a taskSituations where students have poor literacy skillsAvoid copying long URL’sQuick Access to sites/informationScavenger Hunt

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 Hunthttp://www.classtools.net/QR/

http://www.spinweb.net/blog/how-to-create-a-qr-code-scavenger-hunt/

http://www.zdnet.com/blog/igeneration/50-qr-code-resources-for-the-classroom/16093

http://www.yoursmarticles.blogspot.com.au/p/qr-code-ideas-and-resources.html#.UYY708qnDmI Links to paid site for worksheets