QR+Codes+and+QR+Readers

__**Introduction to QR Codes and QR Readers**__

The QR in **QR Codes** and **QR Readers** stands for **Q**uick **R**esponse.

QR codes are quite similar to bar codes, although unlike the straight lines we usually associate with bar codes, QR Codes are three dimensional matrix structures which makes them easier to read and allows more data to be encoded within them. An obvious question may be 'why not just present the url; why encode it?' If you are sitting at at a pc or laptop then a QR code is pretty redundant - you can just click on the hyperlinks and go to the intended website, blog or forum. But if you are seeing the strange looking QR Code on paper, perhaps in a leaflet, poster or handout, then we can use the technology that is enabled by QR Codes and Readers to allow colleagues to activate their QR Reader on their mobile phone. The QR Reader on the mobile phone translates the Code, and takes the reader straight to that website. It saves the effort of writing down the url and perhaps mis-typing it in the process.

[|7 Things You Should Know about QR Codes]


 * __How to generate a QR Code for a website__**

After a couple of attempts with more elaborate set ups, I have found this QR-Code Generator to be particularly easy to use: [|Kaywa QR-Code]. You simply type the url that you want to point people towards in the space provided over to the right, then click the 'Generate!' button further down the screen and your QR Code appears almost instantly on the left of the screen. You can copy and save the code as a picture, and insert it into word docs or powerpoints.

__**How to download a QR Reader for your mobile phone**__

Some modern phones come with a QR reader already built in, but for my veteran Nokia I needed to download a Reader. Not all QR Readers are compabitible with every mobile phone. So a good starting point is to go to this site: [|http://www.mobile-barcodes.com/qr-code-software/#beetagg] and select from the list of Supported Mobile Phones. Once you've chosen your make and model you can see which QR Reader supports your phone. I found the Kaywa QR Code to be easy to use, and if you have a Blackberry the Beetag software seems straightforward to use and download. Just follow the instructions on the website to download your reader, and then your in business - you can try to read the QR Code on this page!

Please contact Julia Fotheringham in Academic Development (J.Fotheringham@napier.ac.uk) if you'd like to find out more, or if you would like some help with this process - I'd welcome the practice!

__**Potential uses of QR Codes in teaching and learning**__


 * to support learning in presentations or lectures
 * to provide closer connection between physical objects (plants, works of art etc) and online resources and information for those who want to find out more
 * QR Codes can provide access to web based resources, readings and slides associated with the lecture which could provide the basis for collaborative learning even in large lecture groups
 * Include a QR Code in a poster display at conferences which links to further online and multimedia content relating to the topic of the poster
 * please add suggestions here if you have any ideas to share - just select the Edit tab from the top right hand side of the screen, and then don't forget to Save (bottom right of the screen) when you're finished.

__**Useful and/or interesting links**__

[] more and different info about other QR readers and their uses [|http://edinburghnapier.wirenode.mobi] practice mobile website [] Interesting blog about mobile learning [] Microsoft Tag is the MSoft version of a QR Code and QR reader (thanks Robin!) [] it seems that Bokodes will be even easier to read than QR codes