Updating a previous post about QR Codes for the Classroom. (previous Post Aug 2011)
While QR codes are still enjoying popularity in discussion groups, the use of the codes hasn't continued growing as well. This blog-update is serving to share a few more QR resources that may prove helpful in the classroom.
Still my favorite QR generator, delivr.com does a very nice job of not only making the code, but assisting in modifying the size for larger format printing and use outside a computer monitor.
In my previous post, I used software called by Quickmark. They have software for Windows, Mac, and mobile devices. The desktop software will not only create QR code, but can use the webcam to read or use a software reader to read codes on the computer screen. The software is not free, but it is very useful.
Sites like delivr.com, goo.gl, and kaywa.com also provide the valuable service of keeping a history of the codes you have made and tracking them. You can often see how many times someone has clicked through your QR code or when the last time someone used it was.
Taking QR codes the next step can involve making them more artistic or visually meaningful. QR readers only read a certain percentage of the pattern in the code. You can creatively remove squares and place your own artwork inside the code and still be able to use it with a reader. Be careful not to remove too much of the code. For some great ideas, check out beautifulqrcodes.com and customqrcodes.com . I made a very quick example of this during a Discovery Educator Network Summer Institute and it shows how I edited a QR code.
There are more instructional resources for QR codes these days, but I few that I have used in the past include: classtool.net for a school treasure hunt , a Livebinder of resources, and Twelve Ideas for QR codes on Edutopia.
I would love to see some QR codes that have been put into action. Share a link to yours or comment on what you have done!