QR Huh? What The Heck Is A QR Code?

Have you seen these around town where you are lately? I was a little surprised when I saw them all over the Black Friday ads back in November. This is a QR or Quick Response Code. Simply, put it is a 3D barcode. It's a much more sophisticated version of the barcode on your bag of Lays Potato Chips. QR Codes are popping up everywhere and are gaining in popularity in education. First a video. In a nutshell, you need a device that has a camera so you can scan or take a picture of the code, a program to do the decoding and web access to see where the code takes you. Apps: You will need a reader installed on your phone. Why A QR Code: Because QR Codes can contain up to 4000 characters of information you can put a ton of information in just one code. One idea for use in the classroom (I will have more below) that comes to mind is books. Pretty cool huh? Creating QR Codes: Easy as (insert something you think is easy here). Take some time and read up on some of this stuff.

QR Codes: In the Classroom I’ve written previously about QR Codes, what they are, and how we might use them. I’ve met and chatted with Andy Ramsden of Bath University and seen how they have integrated them into the assignment and feedback process. I saw two links this morning on Twitter that sparked my interest again, both from @psychemedia which has made me realise that I need to brain-dump my thoughts on how these wonderful little codes can be utilised in the classroom. But first … I have found that there is something about the QR Code generation we ought to know about; this is Using a QR Code Generator (like qrcode.kaywa.com) means you can have the code store either a short URL or your contact details as text. Example: The BIT.LY address for my blog is If I used the whole address of then I get this QR Code (ahh, it’s bigger!) So, with that out of the way, I get on with my thoughts about using QR Codes. How can we use them? Lecture Theatre and/or Presentation

The Padagogy Wheelhouse | A collection of knowledge about the Padagogy Wheel and all things digital that enhance learning and teaching