QR is short for Quick Response (they can be read quickly by a mobile device). They are used to take a piece of information from a transitory media and put it in to your mobile device. You may soon see QR Codes in a magazine advertisement, on a billboard, a web page or even on someone’s t-shirt. Once it is in your mobile device, it may give you details about that business (allowing users to search for nearby locations), or details about the person wearing the t-shirt, show you a URL which you can click to see a trailer for a movie, or it may give you a coupon which you can use in a local outlet.
The reason why they are more useful than a standard barcode is that they can store (and digitally present) much more data, including url links, geo coordinates, and text. The other key feature of QR Codes is that instead of requiring a chunky hand-held scanner to scan them, many modern mobile devices can scan them.
How do you make a QR Code?
1. Find or create a website link and copy the link
2. Go to: http://qrcode.kaywa.com/
2. Go to: http://qrcode.kaywa.com/
3. Paste the URL link: http://bit.ly/Y7RQmh
4. Generate Free
5. Take a screenshot of the QR Code
6. Congratulations you have created a QR Code!
Extended Resources
Check out Kathy Schrock's guide to everything as she showcases QR codes in the classroom.