QR Codes: Unimpressive

      To be completely honest, I am quite unimpressed by QR codes and their so called "functionality", or lack thereof (in my opinion). I understand they're considered a “technological advancement” and all, but really, I think abbreviated URL links accomplish virtually the same thing as a QR code.

      So, what is a QR Code? QR codes are essentially barcode-like images which link to online web-content; basically, a visual shortcut for URL links. Or the more sophisticated description, according to EDUCAUSE:

“QR codes are two-dimensional bar codes that can contain any alphanumeric text and that often feature URLs that direct users to sites where they can learn about an object or place (a practice known as “mobile tagging”). Decoding software on tools such as camera phones interprets the codes.”

      After much reading about QR Codes, I can’t think of a way in which these could revolutionize teaching, or learning for that matter. And although I came across a number of websites linking QR Codes to education, I failed to find something that could truly be considered revolutionary. Many of the ideas suggested for their use revolved around increased instant access to specific online content related to classroom activities, but this is already possible through the use of social media and countless mobile apps.

      In terms of impact on how learning may occur, I guess the simplest way to think of it is that students could pick up a QR code posted virtually anywhere and it could take them to online educational content. Again, my opinion here is that this is already possible with the use of abbreviated URL links. Nonetheless, here is another perspective from EDUCASE on QR Codes' usefulness:

“QR codes link the physical world with the virtual by providing on-the-spot access to descriptive language and online resources for objects and locations. In this way, the codes support experiential learning, bringing scholarship out of the classroom and into physical experience. The greatest importance of QR codes could lie not in their specific use but in the opportunities they offer for moving away from keyboards as input devices in learning environments.” [EDUCASE]

      In closing, I would agree with the above statement about "bringing scholarship out of the classroom and into physical experience," if QR Codes were spread out across the world outside the classroom; if a student walking home could find a QR Code on a unique tree or animal, scan it, and instantly get information on the subject, expanding upon what he might have learned in science class. Last time I checked, QR Codes were nowhere near that ubiquitous.