Potential QR code uses in Higher Ed

[Megg Brown]

We're kicking around an idea here at Vassar of using QR codes on event posters/fliers. I want to make it easy, which is where I'm having trouble. The idea is to have a code on every poster created by College Relations (which are the majority of event posters on campus) and guide folks to create their own if so inclined. If we get enough use out of it we can expand to potential use in the classroom.

I've only had a few moments to do research -- I've gone through a few dozen posts and docs, which has only directed me to the greater iceberg I have to explore. I ran into a problem with which standard to use, or to go with proprietary code. Usually I'd omit the latter, but it was really, really easy from the user perspective to download the app and use the codes. However, I don't want to end up with a campus standard that doesn't afford any benefit beyond campus.

Proprietary code. One of the proprietary options I found easy to use was ScanLife.com. It was very easy to download software to my Blackberry, but it's not as easy as I'd like to create codes. We'll need a business account. Unfortunately, the reader will not read other QR codes. And the creation of codes requires an account (so not good for pointing student organizations to make their own.)

Which standard to use? I'm searching for a non-proprietary code option. I love the idea of pointing folks here to create their own:
Google Code ZXing ("Zebra Crossing")
http://zxing.appspot.com/generator/
Select URL from the dropdown menu, enter the URL and you get the code.

Unfortunately I've had trouble getting software on my Blackberry to read those codes.

What I want to end up with is a painless way to download software to phones -- something that will take seconds (like ScanLife) and then they're good to use codes for multiple uses -- including potential instructional technology applications.

Other uses. I'm curious what other folks have checked out, potential ideas, including uses in the classroom. I'm just thinking posters to try something on a scale we can manage and measure. I really like the idea of jumping from print to web as folks walk around campus. I've actually taken pictures of fliers with my phone to check out later when I get back to my desk. I'm curious if others have too.

[Megg Brown]

Another idea -- we can start off the Class of 2013 with freshmen orientation scavenger hunts -- if we get the incoming class using the codes that might encourage more use among the students -- or it will be easier to see if it's a flunk idea.

[Megg Brown]

From Twitter: http://twitter.com/RogerSmolski/statuses/2239509053

@stomer Megg definitely go open in the uni environment. A good reader is http://www.i-nigma.com/GetReader.asp and more info at http://2d-code.co.uk/

[Megg Brown]

I checked out the reader at http://www.i-nigma.com and it's extremely easy to download. Unfortunately my Blackberry (8300 curve) is protesting. Will troubleshoot later.

[Megg Brown]

It just crashes itself or tells me my camera isn't working (but after I've taken the picture.)

[Megg Brown]

From Twitter: http://twitter.com/mrichwalsky/statuses/2239731334

@stomer I've been thinking about them lately as well. Blogged about it here - Lots of potential use in future. http://highedwebtech.com/2009/02/17/qr-codes-is-it-time/

[Megg Brown]

BeeTagg worked well on my Blackberry, but I'll need to test it more on other phones.
http://get.beetagg.com/

Worked great with tags created by:
http://zxing.appspot.com/generator/
Which I love, because I can dynamically create the codes -- notice the url for a code:
http://chart.apis.google.com/chart?cht=qr&chs=230x230&chl=h...