I have been hearing so much talk, and seeing use, of QR Codes lately. Maybe I am noticing it more because I started dabbling in them myself or maybe they are on the rise. Either way, I want to share a few things about QR Codes. First off if you do not know what they are, here is a quick definition:
A QR Code is a specific matrix bar code (or two-dimensional code), readable by dedicated QR bar code readers and camera phones. The code consists of black modules arranged in a square pattern on a white background. The information encoded can be text, URL or other data.
Source: Wikipedia
To simplify, with a QR Code reader on your smart phone you can use the phone's camera to scan the QR Code (like the crazy black and white thing at the top of this page) and it will take you to a web page, display text, phone number and/or prepare a text message to be sent.
The great thing is they are extremely easy to create and use in your online learning or in the traditional classroom. Using a QR Code generator (e.g., Kaywa, Snap.vu, etc.), you can create and copy the code to a web page, PowerPoint slide, add it to a manual, print it, etc. Now when it is seen in your classroom or online course participants can scan the QR Code and visit the site, obtain the text info or data.
Here is a demo showing how easy it is to generate a QR Code.
http://screenr.com/Content/assets/screenr_1116090935.swf
Here are a few ways I am starting to use QR Codes:
- Adding my contact information to my classroom powerpoints and manuals. I even posted one with my contact info outside my office.
- Include QR Codes in manuals and job aids that take the user to relevant URLs.
- Adding codes in e-learning courses. For example. the video below shows one in a course that directs the user to social bookmarks containing additional resources and tutorials.
See an example of a QR Code in a WBT course.
Here are also my QR Codes bookmarks where you will find more resources on this subject including links to QR Code generators. Of course the QR Code for this link is below too.
[...] This post was mentioned on Twitter by FMC Washington DC and Ultra Red, Eric Snowden. Eric Snowden said: Dabbling with QR Codes http://goo.gl/fb/am6IB [...]
ReplyDeleteHi Jeffery,
ReplyDeleteI recently wrote a blog post showing how to generate a QR Code within Flash using Google Charts to do the hard work. I've posted my source code as well.
http://www.adrianparr.com/?p=140
Ta,
Adrian
Great blog! Recently, www.SocialQRcode.com launched and it is designed for businesses to promote their social properties with QR Codes. Turn foot traffic into web traffic for your Facebook fan page and Twitter profile.
ReplyDeletePlease give it a try!
Adrian,
ReplyDeleteWow, it looks great and worked like a charm. And it is very cool that you are sharing the code.
Social QR Code,
ReplyDeleteWill try it out. Thanks for sharing.
Jeff,
ReplyDeleteDid you have a chance to check out www.SocialQRCode.com?
Any feedback? I also created this informational video:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dvtSHm3Xmvk
Thanks!
Tyler,
ReplyDeleteI did check it out. It was easy to use and had some good options, but I had problems uploading a logo. Maybe it was user error, but I think it would be a cool feature if I could get it to work for me. My preference is to also be able to generate QR Codes that directs you straight to the URL instead of to a page that requires use of a link.
Thanks,
Jeff