QR Codes

QR or Quick Response code

QR codes are a great way to engage students straight away.  You will need at least a smartphone or tablet to scan them.  Download a free QR code reader on your smartphone or tablet and try it out on the codes on this page. 

Once set up, these square boxes, that look like some type of maze in overdrive, can be used for engaging and worthwhile learning activities.

Similar to barcodes on your shopping items, QR codes are much more powerful.  Barcodes can hold up to 30 numbers, a QR code can store up to 7,089 numbers.

Apps for creating QR Codes

Smartphone or tablet

If you are using an Apple iPhone or iPad, search for a QR Reader or Creator on the Apps Store, some of the apps combine both.  If you are using an Android phone, the Google Store has loads.  I suggest trying the free ones as most of these will at least read a code.  Most teachers would want to create QR codes and customize them for their classes.  

Computer

If you use a laptop or computer, there are lots of options for creating QR codes.

• Chrome Store: I use the QR Code Generator extension.  This is a good one for generating url QR codes or making custom codes, just go to the edit function. 

• For non-Chrome users, you can try out http://qrcode.ie/  It has lots of options and you can use it on your phone as well. 

QR Code Formats

Depending on the app or site you are using, students can scan the code and have the message delivered in a variety of ways.  Below are a couple I use regularly;

1. Texts: for urls or instructions. This can be in many foreign languages as well.
2. Voice: Many foreign languages available in this format as well, the voice is robotic but understandable. http://qrvoice.net/ 

To jazz up the appearance of your QR code, try Visualead. You can add an image and make it more relevant to the task you are giving to the students, there is an example of a Visualead QR code in the workflow below.  Just note that the free version of Visualead has a limited number of QR codes you can generate and download.

Ideas for Teaching

Some ways I use QR codes when creating lessons;

-       Summative and formative assessments

-       Project based learning

-       Games - locations, coding, languages

-       Treasure hunts
-       Collaborative group work
                                              

Here is an example of an activity I presented to Chinese language teachers during an app smashing workshop. It shows the workflow of how you can use different apps to create a final product. Students can try app smashing as well and have lots fun while blending tech with learning. 

  

WOULD YOU LIKE TO LEARN MORE?   

If you are interested in learning more about QR codes, you can enrol in my free "Basics to QR Codes" course on the Open Learning site at this link or scan the code on the right.

QR codes are easy to use and lots of fun. There are so many things you can do with them to incorporate them into your lessons. Lots of teachers have written about them if you need more ideas, just do a web search and you will find lots. Please feel free to contact me if you would like to discuss any ideas or have any questions.  Have fun!