1. What is a QR Code
Basically it is a barcode, they were originally used to track auto parts, but have become popular in advertisements on TV and magazine pages along with appearing on Websites.

2. How do you use them?
You install a QR reader app onto your smart phone, you wave your phone over the code. The information that the code holds will then be available to read.

3. Reading your QR Code
Firstly you will need a QR Reader on your phone. Look for QR READER in your Apps Store or Marketplace. If you cannot install a QR Reader onto your device but you have a built-in camera, you could take a photo of any QR code then either send to your PC to upload or show the image directly to a webcam to be read. A demonstration can be found at

4. You Try

5. How to create a QR Code
The best site is it offers a number of benefits for example A URL shortener (that will allow a long Web Address to be shortened for ease of use), choice of code sizes and the ability to embed small images (and test that your QR Code will function with the image). A short video showing how quickly a code can be generated can be found here

6. Creating your QR code
Step 1: once on the site, use drop down box to select your content, then complete the text box, you can cut and paste into this.
Step 2: will do itself
Generate code
Advanced Step 3: you can add a logo to the middle of the QR code, if you do this and the code becomes unreadable then you just need to drag the logo around until it fits.

7. How are they being used in lessons?
The codes can hold any text information that you want to guide your learners to. They can hold assignments, homework instructions, glossaries, research websites, contact details, telephone numbers, pictures, maps, the list is endless. They are easy to develop and easy for your learners to read.

8. How would you envisage using them in your learning & teaching?