I’m not even sure this article warrants a response. I started to satirize it but it was already so far out there, it was hard to think of anything more ridiculous. If you want something useful, read elsewhere. If you like when I say mean things about poorly conceptualized ideas, this is for you.

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1. Digital portfolios for students. Imagine if all students were assigned a QR code at the beginning of the school year—or even the start of their educational career? Every year, instead of putting that student’s assignments or projects into a manila file folder that gets sent home (and oftentimes chucked in the trash) the teacher could upload a few examples of papers, projects, tests and quizzes to the QR code. The code could also include links to student videos, blog posts or other multimedia projects. That QR code-portfolio could then be printed on the student’s report card, so that the grade becomes about more than just one single letter.

Imagine if you were talking about digital portfolios but kept pretending the way you got to the portfolio mattered more than the portfolio itself. Imagine if you could print¹ a URL on a report card and get the exact same effect only you would not get to use the scanner app on your phone.

2. Connecting with parents. Teachers could create their own individual QR code that includes links to classroom goals, behavior expectations and other pertinent information, and send the code home with students. The teacher could even include sample questions the parent might want to ask their child about the class, thus equipping the parent with the knowledge she needs to have a conversation with their child about what they’re doing in school. On back-to-school night or during open house, teachers could post QR codes throughout the classroom. Once a parent scans the code, they’d be digitally whisked to explanations of the curricula being used or of student work displayed in the classroom. Sure, the teacher could accomplish all of this with print-outs, but scanning with a QR code is definitely more eco-friendly.

Writers could write whole articles where they talk about websites and keep calling them QR codes. The explanation of student work portion would be an actual use of QR codes because it’s putting access to the information in geographical/physical context with other information that needs explanation. I don’t know why that’s hard to understand. I’d argue that the information you add ought to be richer and possibly contain media that you can’t print out rather than making an argument for the environment.

3. Engaging students. Many K-12 schools ban smartphones, but as their potential as a learning tool starts to be better understood, they could end up working well with QR codes. At both the K-12 and college level, the number of textbooks featuring QR codes is sure to grow. And teachers and professors could hand out an assignment or study guide with a QR code printed on it. Once students scan it, they could be taken to additional resources or activities.

What, other than smartphones, would QR codes work with? Although it is priceless to be talking revolution and then have the great idea of putting QR codes in. freaking. textbooks. Or you could go crazy and print it on a worksheet. We are in the future now. No way URLs would have done this in the past. REVOLUTION. Can I get a Che Guevara tshirt with a QR code that links to his wikipedia page?

4. Easing the transition to college. This year the University of Illinois jumped on the QR code bandwagon and started using them to help acclimate incoming freshman. QR codes are scattered throughout the campus, and when a student scans one, they’re taken to campus maps, videos, and other resources. The codes also connected students to the school’s Facebook and Twitter feeds—a smart move since connected students are less likely to drop out.

Maps make sense. I get that, location based information. I’m not sure what video I’d want to see on my phone as I wander campus as a freshman. Maybe something on dining etiquette from the QR code on my napkin. Anyone who believes the drivel put out by schools on their official Twitter and FB feeds gets anyone to stay in school is likely to be a social media consultant.

Since QR codes are so new, it’s hard to imagine all the ways education institutions will be using them in the years to come. But given the possibilities these black-and-white squares of data present, they just might revolutionize the way we learn.

It is so hard to imagine, the author opted not to imagine anything at all. Nor did she bother to research any remotely interesting uses. I anxiously await the next QR article which will no doubt tout the innovation and creativity QR codes are set to unleash.

I know this is a very unkind response but I’m tired of corporate partnerships polluting the internet with garbage like this and confusing people who might actually want to find out how to use QR codes in education. Articles like these are insulting to educators.