QR Codes
What are they?
QR (Quick Response) codes are basically 3D barcodes. Being 3D as opposed to 2D, they can contain much more information that a regular barcode. They can contain up to 4000 characters (numeric, alphabetical, Kanji (Japanese/Chinese symbols). Traditional barcodes contain only 20 digits of data.
A short piece of text, a Website address, an Email address or a phone number are just some of the types of information that can be stored in a code. In Japan, where QR codes originated, they are on most business cards – providing a link to a Google Map of where to find the business, or the business website in most cases, so users can simply scan the code with their phone to get direct access to information.
What are they?
QR (Quick Response) codes are basically 3D barcodes. Being 3D as opposed to 2D, they can contain much more information that a regular barcode. They can contain up to 4000 characters (numeric, alphabetical, Kanji (Japanese/Chinese symbols). Traditional barcodes contain only 20 digits of data.
A short piece of text, a Website address, an Email address or a phone number are just some of the types of information that can be stored in a code. In Japan, where QR codes originated, they are on most business cards – providing a link to a Google Map of where to find the business, or the business website in most cases, so users can simply scan the code with their phone to get direct access to information.
Most Smartphones will have a barcode scanner as an app which will read QR codes. For the desktop you can also install a little bit of software that will use a webcam to read the codes. Whether children are using mobile devices or the webcam on a netbook, they will access digital resources in fewer clicks.
There are many websites that generate QR codes – one of the easiest is Kaywa QR Generator: http://qrcode.kaywa.com/
Why should I use them?
Convey large amounts of information easily
Provide easy access to websites/YouTube videos
Create scavenger hunts or self-guided tours
Provide information to parents
Provide easy access for students to websites - use a desktop scanner
The future of grocery shopping led British grocery chain Tesco connect with busy people through an innovative new concept,they created billboards the subway stations that feature a range of products that customers can then select and scan using QR codes with their cell phones, only to have the selected groceries delivered later to their doorstep.
How to use them
Create QR codes for references in any KLA for direct student access
A tour can be made self guiding. Students use headphones plugged into phone/itouch and scan QR codes to listen to pre-recorded podcasts describing that part of the tour.
Create short videos depicting the consequences of various actions. Create a QR code for each video. Students read the description of the dilemma, then scan the QR code that relates to view the consequences of their choice.
Include QR codes that direct students to websites with further information
Websites and Tools
40 interesting ways to use QR Codes: https://docs.google.com/present/view?id=dhn2vcv5_765hsdw5xcr&revision=_latest&&theme=blank&authkey=COX05IsF&cwj=true
Desktop QR scanner: Quickmark: http://www.quickmark.com.tw/en/basic/index.asp
More info about QR Codes: http://livebinders.com/play/play_or_edit?id=51894