1. What Is a QR Code?

QR codes, short for "quick response" codes, are square-shaped black-and-

white symbols that people can scan using a smartphone to learn more about a
product.

These encrypted squares can hold links, coupons, event details, and other
information that users might want to take with them for referring to later.

QR codes usually look something like this:

Although not every QR code is shaped like a perfect square, they're most
often found looking like the image above -- with varying patterns displayed
inside. You'll often find them on direct mail, signage, billboards, and even
commercials where you can quickly scan the code on the screen using your
phone.
QR Codes vs. Barcodes

Does the rise of QR codes mean traditional barcodes are a thing of the past?
Of course not. Traditional barcodes are still a common way for businesses to
identify consumer packaged goods (CPGs) and manage their product
inventory.

Images via Wikimedia Commons | Wikimedia Commons

However, there are a number of differences between barcodes and QR codes

-- both in their uses and their characteristics. Here are three important
differences:

QR Codes Are Shaped Differently

Barcodes are typically rectangular in shape, requiring scanning devices to read

the barcode's data horizontally. QR codes are often square-shaped, displaying
their data vertically or horizontally.
QR Codes Hold More Data

Due to a QR code's square shape, it can hold much more data than a
barcode. In fact, QR codes can hold hundreds of times more encrypted
characters than a barcode.

QR Codes Hold Different Data

QR codes are often used differently than barcodes. Barcodes hold key product
information at the point of sale, such as the price and name of the
manufacturer. QR codes offer more passive and intangible information, such
as location data and URLs to promotions and product landing pages.
How Do QR Codes Work?

Originally designed in Japan for the automotive industry, marketers adopted

the barcodes because of their large storage capacity and ability to translate
additional information to consumers beyond what creative and/or
packaging could convey.

If a consumer sees a QR code somewhere, they can take out their mobile
device, download a free QR code scanning app, and "scan" the barcode to
gain access to additional information, like so:

So if you wanted to create, say, a bus stop advertisement promoting your

podcast, you could display a QR code on that printed ad that brings people
right to your iTunes page when they scan it with their phones. Pretty simple,
right?
 How to Make a QR Code
The QR code creation process is pretty straightforward. Here's how to get
started.

Step 1: Select a QR code generator.

There are tons of QR code generators out there. The best ones give you
many options for using your QR code, and compatibility with most mobile QR
code reader apps.

Best QR Code Generators

1. Kaywa

2. GOQR.me

3. Free QR Code Generator by Shopify

4. Visualead

5. The-qrcode-generator.com

6. QR Stuff

7. qr-code-generator.com

8. QR Code Monkey

9. Create QR Code by Google App Engine

Other things to look for when choosing a QR code generator are whether you
can track and analyze performance, and if it allows you to design a code that's
unique to your taste.

Some QR codes, for example, display logos and other icons within the code
that immediately tell people what information they'll get from scanning it.
Step 2: Choose the type of content you're interested in.
Let's select one of the QR code generators above and do a walk-through
together. I'll select qr-code-generator.com, one of the eight preferred QR code
generators above.

First, select what type of content you want your QR code to show the person
after they scan it. You can choose from one of 10 types, as shown in the
screenshot below.

Step 3: Enter your data in the form that appears.

Once you select the type of content you're promoting with this QR code, a
field or form will appear where you can enter the information that corresponds
with your campaign.

If you want your QR code to save contact information, for example, you'll see
a set of fields where you can enter your email address, subject line, and
associated message.

To save a link to our podcast, we'll simply enter the URL in the field that
appears, like so:
Step 4: Consider downloading a dynamic QR code.
See the option below for "dynamic"? One significant pitfall to making a QR
code is that you can't edit the data it contains once you print it. But with
dynamic QR codes, you can edit this data.

With a free membership to QR code generators like qr-code-generator.com,

you can print a dynamic QR code, scan it, and pull up an editable form where
you can modify the data your visitors will receive when they scan the QR code
themselves.
Step 5. Customize it.

The fun part of creating QR codes is customizing the design of the codes to
your brand. Want your code to look like your logo? Go for it. Want it to reflect
your website's design scheme? No problem.

Using qr-code-generator.com, we can customize our QR code by clicking the

button to the top-right, as shown in the screenshot below. Keep in mind not
every QR code maker offers this design option -- depending on the QR code
you're looking to generate, you might find some tools limited in their
functionality.

Of course, you can customize your QR code further -- adjusting the colors,
adding a logo, creating social options, and more.

Keep in mind, however, that some customizations can make it more difficult
for QR code scanning apps to properly read the code. It's a good idea to
generate two versions of your QR code -- one plain version and another with
your preferred design.

Step 6: Test the QR code to make sure it scans.

Because a customized QR code can make it difficult for some mobile apps to
"read," don't forget to check to see if the QR code reads correctly, and be sure
to try more than just one reader. A good place to start is the free tool Google
Goggles, which takes a picture and then tells you what link or item it “reads to.”
Another great free tool is QR Code Reader, which automatically takes you to
whatever it “reads.” Apple's Passbook also offers a built-in QR code reader on
iOS 7, so you should test to make sure your code is readable there, as well.
Step 7: Share and distribute the QR code.

A QR code won't be able to do its job unless it is seen. So make sure you
come up with a distribution plan for sharing the code. This could include
displaying it on social media, in print ads or if you are using it to send a group
activity in you language arts instruction you may post it the class messenger
account

How to Use QR Codes in Teaching

Now that you see how simple the QR code creation process can be, let's try
this activity:

1. Think of a subject matter in Filipino or English or in Math learning area.

2. Plan and identify at which part of your lesson plan you would like to use
your QR code: Motivation Phase? Presentation Phase? Evaluation or
Enrichment Phase.
3. It would be interesting if you will have differentiated activity for different
groups. If, for example, you would like to use QR code for Motivation
Phase, say in your thematic lesson on “Friendship”/Multiplication your
activity need to activate student prior knowledge on friendship/
multiplication using their own learning style or multiple intelligences {MI}
 on the same topic – friendship/multiplication.. Perhaps one group
will be instructed to create a sociogram a diagram that represents
patterns of group interactions within a classroom. Here is an
example of an output {for mathematical/logical thinkers). This
highlighted phrase could be the instruction encoded in their assigned
QR code. Another activity and instruction will be given to the next group,
and the next. Perhaps recall a song on friendship and write the
lyrics or a portion of it and sing it to the class {for Musical
Thinkers}, etc.
4. Be able to share your QR codes to the class next meeting.

5. Have fun scanning your classmates QR code.

OTHER SUGGESTED LINKS:

1. https://www.qr-code-generator.com/guides/how-to-create-a-qr-code/

2.
https://www.flowcode.com/?utm_source=google&utm_medium=search&utm_c
ampaign=12358322071&utm_term=%2Bqr%20%2Bcodes&utm_term=%2Bqr
%20%2Bcodes&utm_campaign=Flowcode_INT+-
+RoW_Nonbrand_Generic_Desktop&utm_source=adwords&utm_medium=pp
c&hsa_acc=8444328711&hsa_cam=12358322071&hsa_grp=123457311728
&hsa_ad=499030502127&hsa_src=s&hsa_tgt=kwd-
318232396489&hsa_kw=%2Bqr%20%2Bcodes&hsa_mt=b&hsa_net=adword
s&hsa_ver=3&gclid=CjwKCAiAkJKCBhAyEiwAKQBCkj1L7d0lO_jx9cjjqnqYn5
g3QBV08eQZz0HwwDGjg7M4_6bOhFbm_hoCB6cQAvD_BwE

2. You need to download a QR Code

scanner in your phone to allow you to read a
QR code.

3. Students who have successfully created

their own QR code and downloaded a
scanner, can assist other classmates to
create and download their own scanner.
Good luck.