QR-codes in education

QR-codes can be used in many different ways—including in education. A QR-code sparks curiosity and can help engage students with the material. But how do you use them effectively? Here are the top 6 reasons to use QR-codes in education.

In short

  • Despite the mobile phone ban, there are still plenty of situations where QR-codes are worthwhile;

  • QR-codes can capture attention, spark curiosity, or provide feedback;

  • Even outside the classroom, QR-codes make it easy to share information, allow sign-ups, or explore an educational institution.

When to Use QR-codes?

With schools and governments being increasingly wary of phones in the classroom, it may seem like QR-codes are losing their place in education. But phones are still widely used in colleges and universities, and they can be valuable educational tools at other levels as well.

In fact, the ban encourages us to think more critically about where phones add value—and QR-codes can certainly be one of those cases!

A few students collaborating on a mindmap at a table together.

In the classroom

QR-codes can be used for:

  • Feedback
    Using QR-codes to gather feedback is easy, anonymous, and lowers the barrier for participation.

  • Quizzes / Mentimeter
    QR-codes work great for interactive teaching methods. Especially when asking questions, QR-code-based quizzes can boost motivation and energy.

  • Scavenger Hunts
    Think creatively: scavenger hunts, escape rooms, puzzles—QR-codes make it all possible! It’s a fun and interactive way to teach.

Outside the Classroom

QR-codes can be used for:

  1. Sign-ups
    Link a survey to a QR-code to allow students, parents, or staff to sign up easily.

  2. Information
    At an open day, for instance, place QR-codes in classrooms to explain what happens there.

  3. Brochures
    Brochures gather all the information in one place—and you can always link to more content. Just like the brochure on the right from Utrecht University!

A screenshot of an information brochure from Utrecht University.

Case Study: QR-codes at ROC Noorderpoort

How can you use QR-codes effectively? ROC Noorderpoort (a technical school/community college) shows the way! QR-codes are placed throughout the building, allowing students to explore content freely via text, websites, or videos. The benefit? Interactive learning makes it easier to truly engage with the material.

Elementary school De Neerakker uses them too. QR-codes are posted both inside and outside. Students can solve math problems or unscramble words. They even choose the order themselves. Ideal for students!

Students scanning QR-codes with educational content throughout the building

How to create QR-codes

If you want to use QR-codes, it’s helpful to first think about what you want to do with them. Want to give access to a quiz? Or allow students to submit feedback? In that case, a link QR-code is your best option!

Looking to include text, videos, or other data? Check out our page on the different QR-code types we offer! And follow these steps to successfully create your own QR-code. Good luck!

FAQ

  • A QR-code catches attention;
  • QR-codes are efficient;
  • QR-codes need very little storage capacity;
  • You can gain insight into your customers through QR-codes;
  • QR-codes are free on our website!

This is very easy with our QR-code generator, and works as follows:

  1. You can choose if you want a static or a dynamic QR-code;
  2. You can enter the necessary details; eg. a URL;
  3. You can optionally even customize the QR-code, like with your own logo;
  4. Is this all a little too complex? Click here for an easy, step-by-step explanation on how to create a QR-code.

Advantages of dynamic compared to static:

  • You can track the number of scans easily, with just one click needed;
  • You can edit the data after the QR-code was created.

Disadvantages of dynamic compared to static:

  • You need an account, and QR-code data has to be saved where it was generated; so others can control your QR-code;
  • It takes a fraction of a second longer to load a page with dynamic QR-codes;
  • Our logo will briefly appear with free dynamic QR-codes.