While working on ESP books for a technical program, I found that QR codes were a great solution to add quick links to additional resources.  These resources included interactive activities, worksheets, images, videos, animations, graphs and further readings. I am not the first person to think of using QR codes for educational purposes. Links to fantastic resources providing a myriad of uses of QR codes for educators can be found in the additional resources section below. I am offering a few simple practices that you might consider to improve access to resources in your classroom, on your class website, or in your instructional documents.

What is a QR code?

QRs, or Quick Response Codes, were developed for the automobile industry in Japan to streamline production. A QR code is a square shaped object that is populated with a unique arrangement of smaller black squares on a white background. There are tools, such as the QR Code Generator, that now allow you to colour QR codes or incorporate recognizable icons with watermarks.  The QR square patterns are read by a QR code reader software (app) on a digital camera or web camera. QR code readers are freely available and ready to use on any device with a camera. Most products from milk cartons to concert tickets include a QR code to link to additional information such as coupons, directions, forms or videos.

QR code readers

QR code readers are usually designed for hand held devices, although there are several options for laptops and workstations (see the QR Code Readers reference section below). Essentially the-end user (student, teacher, and parent) opens the app or software and points the camera at the QR square. The QR reader opens the resources specified by the QR code.

There is a host of possible resources that the QR code might open such as:

QR code generators

I have provided links to three QR code readers in the Additional Resources section below. The QR Code Generator is a simple place to start. There are three simple steps to create a QR code.

1) The instructor selects the resource genre that the QR code will open. Some of the options provided are: URL (web address), mp3, text, email, SMS, Facebook, Image, PDF and image.

2) They then paste or type in the required information. Usually this is the web address to the resource.

3) Finally, they press the Create QR code button.

The QR Stuff QR code generator provides instructors with many options for the type of resource to be opened such as colourizing the QR code, graphical visual options and output options.  Visit QRstuff to view their menu options.  The simplicity of QR code generators makes the experience fast.  After the code is generated, it can be downloaded to your computer or copied and pasted into your document or placed into your blog or class homepage.

Practical uses

There are limitless possibilities. I suggest that instructors new to QR codes should attempt less ambitious tasks with their students.  It will allow the instructor and the students to become comfortable with this technology with low risk tasks and activities. Here are five ways to quickly and easily use QR codes.

•  Efficient review before assessments

Generate QR codes for specific documents or activities hosted on your class website. Paste the QR codes on review sheets to make course review more efficient.

• Submit assignments

Ask the students to email you a QR code that links to a document, blog post or social media post that satisfies an assignment.

• Quick access to an activity during the class

Project a QR code on the front screen so the students can use their hand held devices (phones) to access an activity such as a specific Quizlet word list or a Kahoot game.

• Fast access to web sites

Paste QR codes on worksheets instead of web links. Students can use a QR code reader to quickly link to the resource instead of typing in the web address on their portable device.

• Student generated activities

Challenge the students to create a scavenger hunt using a global positioning system, GPS, resources such as Google Maps. Students can create a sequence of locations and present them with QR codes.  They then challenge their peers to locate the destinations and guess the common theme of their chosen locations.

Conclusion

There are so many QR codes offered for free with flexible and limitless possibilities for educators. I hope that some of you give them a try. If you try QR codes with your students or have already used them, comment below so we can learn from your experience.  

Additional Resources

QR Code uses for Educators

Kathy Schrock’s Guide to QR Codes in the Classroom, http://www.schrockguide.net/qr-codes-in-the-classroom.html

Kelly Walsh’s 25 Fun Ways to use QR Codes for Teaching and Learning,  http://www.emergingedtech.com/2014/12/25-ways-to-use-qr-codes-for-teaching-learning

Tom Barrett’s 40 Interesting Ways to Use QR Codes in the Classroom, http://aftech.pbworks.com/f/40_Interesting_Ways_to_Use_QR_Codes_in_the_Cla(1).pdf

QR Code Readers

QR Code Reader for Windows (workstation/desktop) http://www.codetwo.com/freeware/qr-code-desktop-reader

QR Code Reader for Macintosh (Desktop/laptop) https://itunes.apple.com/us/app/qr-journal/id483820530?mt=12

QR Code Reader Microsoft https://www.microsoft.com/en-us/store/apps/qr-code-reader/9wzdncrfj1s9

QR Code Reader Android https://play.google.com/store/apps/details?id=me.scan.android.client&hl=en

QR Code Reader IPhone   https://itunes.apple.com/en/app/qr-reader-for-iphone/id368494609?mt=8

QR Code Generators

goQR’s QR code generator http://goqr.me

QR Code Generator’s QR code generator http://www.qr-code-generator.com

QR Stuff’s QR code generator http://www.qrstuff.com

John Allan @mrpottz

Hi—I'm John Allan. I am an educator who works in the technology enhanced language learning field. I create online learning opportunities and mentor instructors on the Avenue project. I have experience teaching ESL and EFL in Canada and the Middle East. I hold an MSC in Computer Assisted Language learning, a M.Ed. in Distance Education, TESL B. Ed., a B.Ed. (OCT), and a variety of TESL relevant certifications from TESL Canada, TESL Ontario and the Ontario Ministry of Education. For more articles, learning objects, projects and blog links see https://www.linkedin.com/in/johnharoldallan