QR-code

= = =QR Codes =

Description
History Impact on Teaching and Learning Practical Applications Examples and Demonstrations References External Links 

**Description** QR Codes are similar to bar codes and have many practical and educational applications. QR stands for "quick response" and these bar codes can replace forms of information. The most common use for QR codes is in place of URLs, especially long URLs, and also in place of business cards. QR codes are most relevant to education when the student has access to a cell phone with a camera that can essentially "scan" the barcode to retrieve the information. Much technology these days is useful only online, but QR codes are unique because they can be used in both.

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History
QR codes were created in Japan in 1994 to aid in streamlining the auto manufacturing process. QR codes have become more mainstream in recent years because of the lower cost of such technology and the rising percentage of people who own iPhones or cell phones with cameras. Web 2.0 exists because of creative uses of technology like QR codes.

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Impact on Teaching and Learning
In an educational setting, one would scan a QR code with his camera device and would be directed to a URL. Many URLs are tedious and long, but by scanning a QR code your device will take you directly to the information you want.

In the video below you can see how a teacher is using QR codes in the classroom to label the skeletal system. Students then scan the QR codes with a webcam or a cell phone and review the names of the bones. The uses of QR codes in education are limited only by an educator's imagination.

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Practical Applications
On a physical paper handout, QR codes can be included that have URLs to useful websites for students to gain information, or even to a link for a PDF document that the teacher has online. QR codes can be scanned online or on paper and the information is the same.

QR code readers can read jpegs of QR codes. The QR code application “Barcodes” in the iTunes App Store boasts its application can call telephone numbers, send emails and be a substitute for business cards which can then be easily scanned between users.

Additionally, QR codes can be scanned and automatically schedule an event in your calendar. Twitter has inspired businesses to post coupons and specials, and QR codes can be implemented in the same way and can even be used as class coupons such as a “no homework day”.

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Examples and Demonstrations
media type="custom" key="4480098" media type="youtube" key="sV-e0qolrt8" height="344" width="425" Transcript of "Learning the Human Skeleton with QR Codes" Video (Created In Honor of Brien !)

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