QR Codes

Current uses

• Marketing: QR codes are frequently used in marketing and advertising. When scanned, they can direct users to a website, a promotional video, or provide contact information, allowing businesses to engage with customers and share relevant location-based content.

• URLs: QR codes often encode website URLs. Scanning the code redirects users to the website without the need to type in the URL manually, making it a convenient way to access online content. A common example of this use is in the restaurant sector where QR codes are often used in lieu of physical menus.

• Ticketing and Boarding Passes: QR codes are commonly used for electronic tickets, boarding passes, and event admission. Scanning the code grants access or validates the ticket.

• Authentication and Security: QR codes are employed in two-factor authentication (2FA) and other security applications. They generate time-sensitive codes for secure login.

• Geolocation: Some QR codes encode geographical coordinates, allowing users to open a map application and locate a specific place when scanned.

• Education: In educational materials, QR codes can link to supplementary content, such as videos or interactive quizzes, providing a richer learning experience.

Potential drawbacks

• Accessibility: The ability to benefit from QR codes is dependent on owning a smartphone or device with a camera and QR code scanning capabilities. 

• Security Risks: QR codes can be manipulated to direct users to malicious websites or apps, a practice known as "QR code phishing." This can lead to malware downloads or other security threats, and may also have privacy implications.

• User Awareness: Not all users are familiar with QR codes or know how to scan them. Educating users on how to use QR codes may be necessary, and this can be an additional barrier to adoption.

• Offline Use: QR codes rely on an internet connection to direct users to online content. In areas with poor or no internet connectivity, QR codes may not be useful.

• Limited Data Capacity: While QR codes can store various types of data, they have a finite capacity. This can be a limitation when attempting to encode extensive information, and it may require the use of multiple codes.

Educational Uses

Take a look at the videos and other resources below for some examples of QR codes in use in educational settings.