QR Technology

1) Most of you have probably seen icons like the one above around but didn't know what they were. These little squares that contain black and white pixels are popping up everywhere. They are called  QR codes (Quick Response Codes). Jeff Utecht, claimed 2011 would be  "The year of the QR code".  This means he felt it was the latest technology to explode in the mainstream.  He explains what QR are and how they are used at the following link - recent blog post.  You can read his thoughts on QR codes and what others posted at that time. 

Have you noticed QR codes on product packages, mail. advertizements, and other places?  Did you know what they were?

Can your phone decode these secret messages? 

2) I generated the QR code above that contains a secret message...so if you have a device that can read QR codes give it a whirl.  If you don't have a device, come to the teacher station and read my secret code with the iPhone. You can also create your own "secret code" using the following site -  Here is a site.  Create your own QR code - it's fun and easy to use. Think of a message you would like to create (must be school appropriate) - post your QR code on your blog. (to post it you must first save it to your P drive as a jpg then upload the jpg image to your blog)

3) Record the following link in your Delicious Account - tag as QRcodes qr http://qrcode.kaywa.com/ 
 

4) Read through the comments people left on Jeff's post, some people are skeptical of QR codes but others have some pretty neat ideas of how they can be used. Either way, something to keep your eye on as we move forward into 2011.

Do you have any thoughts about QR codes?  What purpose or application for them in advertising, education, or other areas do you see?  Post your response to the above on your blog.