2013+STEP+-+QR+Codes

=**QR Codes**= @http://www.scoop.it/t/using-qr-codes-in-education 6/20/2013

Did you ever wonder what those black & white squares on packaging are? This workshop will explain what Quick Response Codes are. how they are created and ways that they can be used in a classroom or school.

@http://youtu.be/CSIJGNBHjXw media type="youtube" key="CSIJGNBHjXw" width="560" height="315"

What is a QR Code?
A QR or Quick Response Code is a more sophisticated version of a barcode. These codes are popping up everywhere since they can store 350 times more data than your standard barcode. This code system was created by a Toyota subsidiary in 1994 as a way of tracking vehicles during manufacturing and is quickly popping up all over the globe.

@http://youtu.be/Xn09ZRcujxA media type="youtube" key="Xn09ZRcujxA" width="560" height="315"

Because of the popularity of the QR Code, alternative code structures are starting to be created. On of these alternatives if from Microsoft. Their code called a MS tag can only be read by a particular reader.

image from []

Structure of a QR Code
The square codes normally consist of items arranged in specific areas on a white background. These codes can contain anything from web links, to contact information to YouTube videos. Because they have error detection built in, the code will read even if it is upside down or wrapped around something.

This work has been released into the **public domain//** //by its author, **Wtuvell at the wikipedia project//**//. This applies worldwide.// // In case this is not legally possible: Wtuvell grants anyone the right to use this work **for any purpose**, without any conditions, unless such conditions are required by law.

If you want some additional information on the anatomy of a QR Code you can read this article - QR Code

Using a QR Code
For the consumer to us a QR code they will need to have a free moble app downloaded to their smart device. Locate the free reader apps in your appropriate apps store. Once the app is loaded you will open it to scan the code. Once the reader recognizes the code it will automatically process whatever the app contained. That can be going to a website, running a video, connecting to a wifi network or adding someone's contact information to your phone.

Below is a good graphic of the reading process. It was found at []

Creating QR Codes
Before a consumer can use a QR code someone needs to create it. There are thousands of free QR Code generators on the Internet. Below are a few that I use.
 * QR Stuff
 * Allows you to create multiple types of codes. This also allows you to change the color of the code. You can download, print or email the finished code for free or purchase merchandise with the code on it.
 * @http://www.qrstuff.com/
 * Kaywa
 * This site will allow you to create both static and dynamic codes. You will need to create a free account in order to use this app. If you want to change the dynamic content or retrieve statistics you will need to purchase a pro/paid subscription.
 * @http://qrcode.kaywa.com/
 * Go QR Me
 * Create text messages, web links, and vcards.
 * @http://goqr.me/
 * Image QR
 * Create a QR code using your own images.
 * @http://www.image-qr.com/
 * QR Generator
 * This generator will allow you to create codes for calendar events, contact information, email addresses, geo locations, phone numbers and wifi networks.
 * @http://zxing.appspot.com/generator/
 * Quikqr
 * This app has 16 different types of codes. I also allows you to place more than one type in the code
 * **@http://www.visualead.com/qr-code-generator/add_qr_details/**
 * @http://youtu.be/-QFa3Kkl1tk
 * media type="youtube" key="-QFa3Kkl1tk" width="560" height="315"


 * 2 and 3D code generator
 * Create multiple types of QR codes
 * @http://keremerkan.net/qr-code-and-2d-code-generator/
 * QR Voice
 * @http://qrvoice.net/


 * Adding QR Codes to PowerPoint Presentations**

There is also an addin to PowerPoint that will allow you to create QR codes as part of your presention. If you are going to make copies of the slides you can add your contact information into the slides as a code. To get the add in go to @http://www.free-power-point-templates.com/articles/qr-code-addin-powerpoint/


 * QR Code Treasure Hunt Generator**

Get students using there mobile devices by creating a treasure hunt with QR codes. Simply enter the questions and answere and then generate the codes. You will not need an internet connection on the codes are generated. The generator can be found at @http://www.classtools.net/QR/


 * The preschool toolbox - QR Code Tech Game for Kids**

The object of this game is to familiarize young kids with using mobile apps. You will need to download the QR CODE CITY app in order to use this game. The game instructions can be found at http://thepreschooltoolboxblog.com/?p=3894&goback=%2Egde_108447_member_175429628#%2EUHyIAl9OsF4%2Elinkedin

Shorten the URL to use with QR Codes
Depending on the length of the URL you want to place in the URL in a shortener so the QR Code does not look so crowded.

Let's look at an example. Say you want to QR code a link to an article on CNN. The entire link is []

The standard QR Code using that link looks like this The same URL using a shortner looks like this

The follow websites allow you to shorten the URL
 * Goo.GL - goo.gl
 * Bitly - bitly
 * Tiny URL - tinyurl

**App for Reading QR Codes**
There is a plethora of free readers available. Below is just a sample listing.
 * Apple Devices
 * QRReader
 * Scan
 * Android
 * Barcode Reader
 * QRDroid
 * Universal Readers
 * Qrafter QR Code Reader
 * i-nigma reader
 * Kaywa.com
 * Google Goggles
 * Microsoft Tag


 * Unusual Examples**
 * **Lady Shamrock**
 * **Gymcodes**
 * **Rock the Vote**
 * **Safetytat**
 * **QR code tombstone**


 * Educational Examples**
 * **NVLA Students using QR Codes**
 * **The Periodic Table of Videos**
 * **Sheet for Parents**
 * **Non-Fiction Lesson**
 * **QR codes in education**View more presentations from Marielle Lange
 * **Utc qr code presentation**View more PowerPoint from cathyasd4

media type="youtube" key="sV-e0qolrt8" width="420" height="315"

Other Examples
 * @http://www.tagmydoc.com/
 * @http://www.qrhacker.com/
 * @http://vimeo.com/21228618 - Interactive Resume
 * @http://animoto.com/play/oZsDSNFmEo7FCTVSSB0n2w - Human QR Code

Additional Resources
My Scoop.it page with additional QR Code resources
 * Jean Anning - What is a QR Code
 * The Adventures of Library Girl
 * QR Codes at a glance
 * Melanie Wiscount's Siemens STEM Resource
 * QR Code Classroom Implementation Guide
 * Livebinder: QR Codes in Education (Anderson)
 * Ways to Use QR Codes in the Classroom (Barrett)
 * [|Winksite: create a mobile Web site w/ a QR code]
 * QR Codes in the Classroom (THE Journal)
 * 12 Ideas for Teaching with QR Codes (Edutopia)
 * QR Codes in the Clasroom (Hopkins)
 * Consumer protection from malicious QR codes
 * Auto-generate QR codes in a Google Spreadsheet
 * Karen Ogen's "QR in the Classroom" presentation
 * Introduction to QR Codes Lesson Plan
 * QR Codes Lesson Plan: Interactive Cube
 * Flip Cameras and QR Codes Lessons
 * QR Codes and Book Reviews Lesson
 * London Lesson Plan

QR Code Basics media type="youtube" key="qV2Wqef4s7I?list=PL77C69767CE8ED8C2" width="560" height="315"