Using QR Codes in Education

by Kristin Firmery
Marketing Cluster Specialist

QR or Quick Response Codes are two-dimensional codes like the one pictured here. These codes are popping up in magazines, billboards, and even some restaurant menus. They have been around for about fifteen years and were developed in Japan by a packing company for warehouse and production purposes. They realized that if they released the technology without licensing or fees then it could more easily become the new “standard” in coding technology. You can use them in most cellphones that contain a camera. There are many applications for free out on the markets that will read and develop QR Codes for you. Here are some ideas for using this technology in the classroom.

1.       Book Reviews: Many libraries have used these QR Codes in the library books to lead them to a website where they can review the book they are reading. These codes are printed out and pasted to the inside of the library book for easy access and immediate feedback.

2.       Student Organizations: When trying to recruit students for your student organizations, try posting a QR Code on a poster or handout that leads to the organization’s website. This will help the student to become more engaged in the subject-matter of the poster and show that these devices maybe used in a positive educational approach.

3.       Flashcards: Place the QR Code below the meaning of a word or concept, and then students will scan the code to find the answer. 

4.       Answer Questions: Generate two codes for yes and no answers to a question. Students will scan the codes then it will connect to a pre-written text message. The students will send the text to the website that will compile the data and give the teacher the answer instantaneously. 

5.       Homework and Notes: The QR code can also be posted on homework assignments for students that want to look deeper into the subject matter. It could also engage more learning by providing a fun way to learn more information. 

6.       Student Organizations: Looking for a way to boost involvement in student organizations? Students can simply post these QR codes around the school in discrete locations (with the approval from the principal of course!) and other students can scan the codes to see what all of the “hype” is about. Major US Companies such as McDonald’s, Starbucks, and Re/Max have used guerrilla marketing campaigns with QR codes.