What are QR codes?

Everyone seems to be talking about QR codes right now. So what the heck are they?

QR codes are, essentially, an updated version of bar codes. The benefit of a QR code is that anyone can create one. Better yet, someone creating a QR code can link it to just about anything.

How do I use a QR code when I see one?

You have to scan the code with your cell phone or laptop camera. Yes, there's an app for it. Currently, there are several free QR code apps for Droids and SmartPhones. Simply go to the app market or Google and search for "QR Code." Download the app. Once the app is downloaded, open the app. On your cell phone screen, you should see what looks like the view from your camera, except that it probably has a red line through it. This red line is the QR code reader. Aim your camera at the QR code you want to decipher. Within a couple of seconds, a screen should pop up on your phone displaying the QR code's information.

For example, here is a sample QR code:

Go ahead and aim your cell phone camera at the code. Within a few seconds, you should see the web address for www.studenthandouts.com. You should also see an option to go to the website. Neat, huh?

So what would or could I use a QR code for?

Promotions: As seen in the example above, an obvious use for a QR code is to promote a website or blog. We now place the above QR code on pretty much every piece of mail we send out. We also place it on everything from business cards to flyers.

This photo features something we are all familiar with--a flyer advertising something. At the bottom of the sheet are the familiar tabs that interested parties are expected to rip off. In the upper right hand corner, though, is something new--the QR code. Instead of ripping off a little sheet of paper, someone interested in the flyer can simply scan the QR code. In this instance, the QR code will lead the person straight to our website. Because the person has accessed our site from her/his cell phone, there is no fear of losing the information. (Oh, if I had a dollar for every paper tab that was left in my pocket and lost in the wash!)

Real-world applications for this cover everything from classroom newsletters to garage sales. Why? The QR code can be created to lead to a website and/or simple text. You can include a QR code on classroom newsletters (or even your professional stationery) that links directly to your classroom blog or website. Having a garage sale? Create a flyer like the one above, except that your QR code will contain the address, dates, and hours of your sale.

Other neat uses for QR codes:

• On a homework sheet, place a QR code linking to an online tutorial, such as a video on YouTube.
• On a field trip permission slip, place a QR code linking to the website of the destination.
• Have students create an interactive tour of the school or classroom for an event such as your school's open house. Students can link the QR codes to text describing different things, such as the computer lab, cafeteria, etc.
• Create a scavenger hunt around the classroom or school. For example, a QR code posted in the classroom asks a riddle. Answering this riddle will lead students to the cafeteria. Posted in the cafeteria is another QR code, this one a riddle that will lead students on to the school media center. Teachers can expand upon this by offering several QR code options, creating a sort of "Choose Your Own Adventure" game. Better yet, teach older kids about this technology by having them create a QR code scavenger hunt for younger students.

The possibilities for QR codes are almost limitless. Do you have an idea? Comment with your thoughts.