QR codes

Scanning a QR code (Source: Pixabay, goo.gl/wHvuFy, under CC0 Public Domain licence)

The nature of QR codes

QR codes, or Quick Response codes, function as hardlinks between objects in the real world (often newspaper, magazine and book pages, advertising posters and billboards, or museum and gallery signs, but potentially any materials with printable surfaces, ranging from balloons to clothing!) and digital data (which is contextually relevant to the object being scanned and/or the environment of that object).

QR codes are very much associated with mobile learning. Many newer generation smartphones will automatically recognise QR codes if you simply point your camera at them; otherwise, or in addition, you can download a QR scanning app to your mobile device. Scanning a QR code will typically take you directly to a webpage, a business card with contact details, or a text or media file. QR codes therefore offer a simple way of integrating the real world and the web, with a more sophisticated and more automated version of the same phenomenon seen in AR technology. While some researchers have argued that QR codes are a transitional ‘manual’ stage in the rollout of AR, there is an important difference: the creator of a QR code can control what content is seen by users, whereas some AR technology (e.g., an AR browser) may expose users to a wider, unfiltered range of digital content.

Generating and scanning QR codes

There are two steps to creating and using a QR code. Firstly, a QR code must be generated with a QR generator, most of which are web-based. Secondly, the QR code must be scanned using the camera on a newer generation smart device, or using a dedicated QR scanner in the form of a app which will register the QR code it is pointed towards through the mobile device’s camera viewfinder (see the image at the top of this page). Once the QR code has been registered, the attached digital content will open. Most QR generators and scanners are available for free, while a few generators work on a freemium model where basic functionality is available for free, but users pay for more advanced functionality.

QR code for the Digital Learning website (Source: Created by M. Pegrum with Kaywa, qrcode.kaywa.com)

QR generators include Kaywa, which was used to create a QR code for the homepage of the Digital Learning website (see above). Other QR generators include QR Code & 2D Code Generator, QR Code Generator (formerly Go QR Me), another QR Code Generator, QR Code Monkey, QR Stuff, QR Tiger, QuickMark and Visualead. Some of these services allow you to create QR codes in different colours and with logos or images embedded in them. For a generator which uses AI to embed images in a QR code, try QR Craft, QRcode AI or StockImg.

Nowadays you can also generate a QR code directly from Google’s Chrome browser by opening the pop-up menu linked to the sharing icon on the right-hand side of the browser bar, while URL shorteners like Bitly and Rebrandly allow both shortlinks and QR codes to be generated.

QR scanners include the many freely downloadable apps which can be found through a quick search for ‘QR scanners’ in Apple’s App Store or Google Play (but remember that you may not need a dedicated scanning app if you have a recent smartphone whose camera can automatically recognise QR codes). The web service ZXing will decode QR codes uploaded from your desktop or laptop computer as images.

Learning with QR codes

At their simplest, QR codes can be used by teachers to attach additional materials – such as detailed guidelines, answer keys, or images or videos – to handouts, or by students to attach multimedia materials to texts they compose or posters they create.

More importantly, when attached to objects in the environment, QR codes can be used to promote situated learning, with students accessing digital information, questions and tasks relevant to their real-world settings, and in some cases adding their own digital responses or comments. QR codes can be used by teachers as the basis for treasure hunts or learning trails; once students have experienced such trails, they can create their own trails (or stations which form part of trails) for their peers to access and complete.

For more ideas on how to use QR codes in teaching, see:

• • 8 Ways to Use QR Codes in Higher Education Classrooms (Tolulope Noah/EDUCAUSE, 2022)
  • 10 Exciting QR Code Activities for Students (Cassie/Teach Starter, 2022)
  • QR Codes in Education: Enhance Learning and Teaching Methods (Vall V. & Ricson E./QR Tiger Blog, 2023)
  • The Ultimate Guide to QR Codes for Education (QRCodeChimp, 2023)
  • Best Free QR Code Sites for Teachers (Eric Ofgang/Tech&Learning, 2024)
  • How to Use QR Codes in the Classroom for Innovative Learning (Navya Muralidhar/Beaconstac, 2024)
  • QR Codes in the Classroom (Tabitha Carro/Pinterest, ongoing)

Last update: March 2024.