Layered Reality
Creating QR Codes
Throughout my travels I’ve noticed that QR codes are becoming a popular form of communication. Restaurants started using the new medium in place of menus to become more environmentally friendly, while simultaneously creating a more sanitary option for guests. Teachers and librarians are using QR codes in classrooms, allowing students to navigation directly to websites, online-sources, and assignments. Even businessmen, businesswomen, and businesses are using QR codes for business cards and advertisements. Overall, QR coding is a free and easy to use technology that allows users to streamline communication in an already oversaturated web-based world.
QR Code Monkey is one of many free QR code generating websites. QR Code Monkey allows the user to easily navigate, customize, and generate QR codes within minutes. The customization process allows the user to create a high quality image for printing, and even allows you to incorporate a logo. Below is an example of the code that I created using my personal website and logo.
Virtual Field Trip
Google Arts and Culture allows users to explore monuments, landmarks, museums, art, etc. in a virtual setting. The 360 degree cameras that Google uses allow for a more realistic size and scale that otherwise could not be experienced unless physically there. Even without a virtual headset the user is still able to interact and move around within the medium fluidly, unlike traditional 2-D mediums. Stepping out of 2-D and into a virtual environment is a powerful tool that allows people to connect to subjects on a greater emotional level.
Some of my favorite subjects to study and experience are cultural anthropology and world travel, simply because it broadens my perception of other cultures outside my own. As the world becomes more globalized it is important to use tools like virtual field trips in order to help students bridge concepts outside of their everyday routine. I believe using these types of layered realities will allow for a greater contextual and emotional connection to subject matter that helps students grasp content and ideas more efficiently.
4 Comments
QR codes are popping up more and more, which is fine if you have a smart phone, which, believe it or not, not everyone has. I live with one such person, and it is a trip. I have learned I have to stay up on technology no matter how old I get, or I will be left out.
I love the virtual field trips! I teach an English course that covers books from many “new” locations to my rural students. Being able to allow them to “walk” around the town being presented in the novel would really help them understand it better.
July 17, 2021
I actually really like using QR codes in restaurants in place of paper menus; it seems much more sanitary. However, people without smartphones, or people with limited knowledge of their smartphones (older generation) seem to be left behind in this technology. My parents for instance always request a physical menu because they do not understand how QR codes work and are not willing to even try. I guess this could go into a whole conversation on the importance of adapting to technology and embracing the technological advances of the future or risk being left behind.
July 18, 2021
I do think if we are using QR codes in an educational setting, we be aware that not all students have devices. Is there funding to have cell phones with apps on it as loaners in the library? Just like we give students laptops? If they have the device to use with apps but not the text/call function? Just a thought.
July 18, 2021
I just learned more about Google Arts & Culture myself. Is there a specific location or exhibit you think is most interesting in their collection?
QR codes are a great way to create easily accessible online content. As long as students have access to technology to use them, I think they’ll prove a useful tool in the library. I only wonder if they can expire with time or end up not working if a site changes; that’s the only major drawback I can imagine, but most of those issues can be easily fixed through editing.
July 19, 2021