QR Code

2011 – The Year of the QR Code

Introduction to QR codes

A QR code is a two-dimensional  matrix barcode that is readable by dedicated barcode  readers,  iPads and camera phones.   QR stands for quick response.  As the name suggests, the barcodes were intended to be decoded quickly. Information that can be encoded include text, URLs, and other data.  QR codes can store up to 4296  alphanumeric characters or 2953 binary characters.  The size of the QR code will increase with the amount of data put in.

While QR codes are beginning to catch on in North America, they are widely adopted in Japan and South Korea.  QR codes were developed by Denso-Wave in 1994 and were originally used by Toyota to track parts in their vehicle manufacturing operation.  QR codes can be used to display text, add the cards to cell phones, provide contact information and open URLs.

Mobile devices such as Google’s Android, RIM’s Blackberry and Apple’s iPad and iPod have the ability to scan QR codes. The codes can be printed and placed on many different surfaces to allow quick access to information. For example, they can be placed on artistic prints linking viewers to online content.

Marketing is one of the main areas of adoption for QR codes. These codes are placed on billboards, posters, in-store displays, business cards, print ads and websites. They can also be used to distribute tickets and discount coupons. QR codes can even be placed in temporary tattoos directing people to websites, embedded information and providing access to popular events such as concerts and shows. They have even been used in permanent tattoos to link people to Facebook pages.

Tourism has also benefited from QR codes. They have been incorporated into signs and pamphlets on nature trails and self-guided walking tours to interpret natural and historical points of interest. This provides a much lower cost by eliminating the need to hire tour guides.  They have even been used on gravestones in Japan to share information about the deceased.

You may have had a flood of ideas come to mind of how these can be used in the classroom. There are hundreds of variations and possibilities of QR code implementation. The goal of this virtual QR code workshop is to give you a framework and starting point for integrating QR codes into your classroom. As you continue to use them, new ideas will come to mind.  Please feel free to share your ideas on this blog.

Summary

1.  What are they?

  • Quick Response Code
  • 2D barcodes
  • originally used to track car parts
  • holds up to 4296 alphanumeric characters
  • orientation of code does not matter

2.  Why Use Them?

  • engagement
  • fewer clicks
  • link digital and physical world

3.  What can they do?

  • Carry text and numbers
  • Connect to a web address
  • Download a MP3
  • Dial a telephone number
  • Prompt your email client with a sender address

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