What are QR codes?
QR codes (an abbreviation of Quick Response codes) are two-dimensional and are usually monochrome (mostly black and white). They can store alphanumeric data and this data can be read (decoded) at high speed, usually by smartphone apps. Whilst the technology was developed for labelling parts in the car manufacturing industry, in recent years it has been appropriated for a variety of other purposes, including in education contexts.
QR codes are often used to provide access to online content. When a user scans a code with their smartphone a webpage can automatically be loaded on the device. Other possibilities include the option to encode your contact details in a QR code, or to send an email or SMS. QR codes can be used in all kinds of imaginative and creative ways and below you'll find some examples of ways in which they can be used in the classroom. |
A short video about QR codes
This short video demonstrates how to scan a QR code using an app on a smartphone. In this instance, the smartphone being used is an iPhone 4 and the app is Scan by QR Code City, however there are apps available for all major smartphones including Blackberry and Android. See below for a list of suggested apps and where to download them.
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How do I create my own QR codes? |
Getting startedIt is really easy to create your own QR codes. There are a number of websites that offer the facility to generate and download your own QR codes. The options provided can vary depending on the website you choose to use and it is worth exploring several services. I've listed some of my favourite code generator sites below.
Useful sites |
How can I use QR codes in the classroom?
Educators have already indetified loads of different possibilities for exploiting QR codes to support and promote learning. For some great suggestions I recommend you look at 43 Interesting Ways to Use QR Codes in the Classroom - an online, crowd-sourced presentation. This presents some very imaginative and creative ways in which QR codes can be used in classroom contexts.
Clearly QR codes are not much use if you don't have access to a device that is able to scan and decode them. Aside from smartphones, devices such as the iPod touch and the iPad 2 are capable of running QR code reader apps. Whilst schools often adopt a 'no mobile phones' policy, these other devices are increasingly finding their way into classrooms. Software can also be downloaded to laptops and netbooks that will utilise webcams to read QR codes. Since school children often have access to mobile phones when they are not at school, there are possibilities for using QR codes to benefit learning beyond the confines of the classroom. |
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