Monday, April 7, 2014

QR Code Generators, Mobile Apps, and Integration Ideas

As mobile learning and technology increasingly make their way into the higher education learning space (face-to-face, blended, and online), QR codes can be used in innovative ways that can gain students' attention and make lesson material and content more interactive.

What is a QR code?  A QR, or "quick response," code is simply a scannable image typically in the shape of a square.  It resembles a bar code with black, or other color, splotches instead of straight lines.  Created in 1994, QR codes were originally used to track vehicle parts during the manufacturing process.  However, the QR codes have expanded for broader contexts and uses; particularly for accessing information with mobile devices.

What does a QR code do?  Using an Internet-connected mobile device such as a
smartphone or tablet with a camera, you scan the QR code using a QR code reader app.
As a result, the QR code reader app takes you to a specific website/URL that was used when the QR code was created.

 What are some of the uses of QR codes in the college/university classroom?  To address this question, I want to provide you with three categories of information: a list of my top picks for QR code generators on the Web, a list of mobile QR code reader apps for various mobile devices (i.e. iOS, Android, and Windows), and a list of ideas and links to QR code integration ideas for higher education contexts.


QR Code Generators

Here is a list of free QR code generators I have used in the past.  In general, creating a QR code takes three steps: (1) copy and paste a URL into the generator, (2) customize visual elements, and (3) download.

 

QR Code Reader Apps 

A simple Google search on "free qr code reader apps for (android, iphone, blackberry, etc.)" will result in a number of free QR code readers compatible with your mobile device.  To simplify your search, I've place a few free iOS (iPhone, iPod, iPad), Android, and Windows phone QR code reader apps to consider.
iOS (iPhone and iPad)


QR Scanner i-Nigma QR Code RedLaser
Android

QR Droid QuickMark QR Code Reader
Windows

UpCode QR Code Reader QR Code Scanner

 

Integration Ideas 

Below you will find a bulleted list of integration ideas that come to my mind based on my own observations of QR codes used in higher education contexts.  Following the bulleted list, you will find even further classroom and curriculum integration ideas and resources as you explore ueses of QR codes and mobile learning.  Keep in mind that QR codes can do more than just link to websites.  In the QR code generators listed earlier, be sure to explore the types of QR codes you can create for various purposes.
  • Place QR codes on lab (science lab, print centers/shops, photo darkrooms, etc.) equipment linking to video instructions and tutorials.
  • Use on assignment pages (print or digital) to provide video demonstrations to assist students in completing assignment tasks.
  • Within a learning management system such as Blackboard or Instructure Canvas, post QR codes to flipped video lessons as an option for students seeking to use their mobile devices (i.e. smartphones, tablets, etc.).
  • Print QR codes on the back of business cards that displays vCard information on mobile devices that can be saved to "contacts."
  • Place QR codes on title and/or ending PowerPoint slides for conference presentations to link to websites, blogs, videos, e-portfolios, or cloud storage folders for conference material downloads/access.
  • Students can create QR codes linking to individual or group video projects that have been posted online.
  • Instructors can use QR codes to link to text publisher's online supplemental materials compatible with mobile media.
 Looking for more integration ideas?  Here's some more resources to get you started.
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