QR Codes
Time 1.5 hrs

Difficulty Beginner
Prerequisites Link Shortening
Departments Human Technologies
Authors Ross Parker
Groupings Individual
Pairs
Minimum Year Group None

Blurb

QR codes provide a way to link real world information to a digital location. They can also encode information for retrieval later. In this unit you'll learn how to read, make and apply QR codes in learning settings.

License

This work is shared under the following license: Creative Commons BY-SA-NC

Outline

Credits
Any CC attribution, thanks, credit, etc.

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5 mins
Introduction
Getting Started
  • QR codes provide a way to link real world information to a digital location.
  • They can also encode information for retrieval later.
  • In this unit you'll learn how to read, make and apply QR codes in learning settings.
5 mins
What's A QR Code?
Background Knowledge
  • QR is short for "Quick Response": these codes were designed for use in Japanese car factories, where vehicles need to be tracked through production.
  • A QR code is similar to a barcode, but can store more information, be read faster and be scanned in any orientation.
  • QR Codes look something like this (the exact detail and density depend on what they contain):

  • QR codes can contain links, text, images, business cards and more.
  • QR codes can be scanned using a mobile device or computer and some scanning software.
20 mins
Scanning
Software
  • QR Codes can be scanned with many different pieces of software on many different devices, including those listed below:
  • Once installed, you can run the scanner, and then hold the device camera up to the code. The code should be recognized, and "beep" you will be asked how you want to use the code.
    • It's that easy!
    • For a more detailed look, watch the video below:

  • Take some time now to set up one or more of your devices with a QR-code scanner, and test it out with the code below:

20 mins
Making
Generator
  • There are numerous QR code generators online, including http://www.qrstuff.com.
  • Click on the QR Stuff link above, and you should see something like this:

  • Do the following to create and download a QR code:
    1. Select the type - this is website URL (link) by default, which gives you an active link that takes a visitors to a site. There are many other types, but let's use a link for this example.
    2. Content - given that we are making a link, find a website you like, copy its URL and paste it into the content field.
    3. Foreground Color - black works best (greatest contrast), but feel free to play around.
    4. Download - click on the button and your browser will download your new QR code.
    5. Test - load your new image on screen, or print it out, and use the device you set up earlier. Does it take you where you wanted it to?
20 mins
Applying
How To Use
  • There are many, many ways to use a QR Code, including some of the following:
    • Label inventory items so you can stock take quickly (e.g. laptops, cameras, books, etc).
    • Have students post reviews of library books online (e.g. on their learning portfolio sites), and then place QR codes to the review inside your library books, so other students can scan them.
    • Run a Digital Scavenger Hunt, using QR codes as clues.
    • Have some fun doing QR Code Madness to entertain students and staff.
    • Include a QR code in a paper letter so parents can scan it instead of typing a link.
20 mins
Evidence
Finishing Up
  • Spend a little time thinking and research to find a new and interesting way to use a QR code at school or at home. Write a little about this application in a document.
  • Include the QR code you made earlier in your document and add a title and your name as author.
  • Submit your document as evidence of your learning in this unit.
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