The last post on QR codes demonstrated how feasible it is to read QR codes that others, such as the teacher, have created. Several apps for reading QR codes were suggested:QR Codes #1: How to read a QR code using different devices
Today we look at the next, eqquallyimportant step – how to make the QR codes. This is a great skill to teach to your learners (if they don’t already know how to do it!), and it is exceptionally useful skill in the classroom.
Creating QR codes on cell phones
Once again this would depend on the make of the cellphone and what they offer in the line of apps. The process would be the same as for other devices.
- Open the QR code generator and select the type of content to be used (e.g. a URL) and type it in.
- Click on generate
- If options for customising the code exist (e.g. size, colour etc), make a selection.
- Copy, save or share the QR code.
Creating QR codes on Android devices
1. QR Droid for Android
2. QR Code Generator for Android
I tried out both of these on my Android device and they work well. You basically select the type of content you wish to create into a QR code. NOTE: If you select a URL they provide the htttp://. This can cause problems! It is a good idea to remind your students to remove this provided http:// as if they don’t they will end up with two https and the QR code won’t work!
Creating QR codes on the iPad
I currently have two QR code generators on my iPad, both of which work well.
1. Quick QR code reader and scanner
2. Quickmark for iPad
Creating QR codes on a PC or Mac
I haven’t tried adding a QR code generator to my Apple MacBook Air yet, but I am really delighted with QuickMark on my PC laptop. It works extremely well as a reader and a creator and I use it constantly. It also allow you to change the colour of the QR code
Creating QR codes from a website creator
This also works well. Sometimes it is easier to work from a website creator as long links can be copied and pasted instead of being typed in (which can be a time-consuming task in elementary school) .
1. QR Droid’s QR Code Generator works extremely well. No sign in is required. It allows you to create QR codes that link to nine different ypes of content as well as change the colour. The code can then be copied or saved. You can also select the display size for your QR code. I see that this is also available on an Android device.
2. Goo.gl is Google’s URL shortening tool. I use it all the time to shorten links to use on Twitter. The GREAT thing about it is that when you shorten a link with Goo.gl a QR code is created for it too. This can be copied or saved by clicking on it.
- To find the QR code, click the “details” link after your shortened URL has been made. (By the way,
- If you click on ‘details’ after creating the shortened link you will be taken to the details page which will shows how many times your link has been used!)
- Goo.gl can also be added as a quick Chrome extension if you are a Chrome user.
3. Unitag is a website QR code creator that students will love because it offers many different creative options. No sign in is required and download or saving is possible. A logo can even be placed in the centre of the code.
What about a QR code that contains a voice message?
1. QR Voice
QR Voice is a free tool that allows you to create a QR codes that plays a short audio message when it is played. To create the message and QR code you record a short voice message by clicking the microphone icon. You can also type in a maximum of 100 charatcers and a coice will be assigned. This could work well for teaching English vocabulary related to objects.
Future posts
In the next post we will look at the classroom uses of QR codes.