OK, so I’m sure you’ve heard of vanity license plates—but qr codes? Yep, it’s no lie! Now you can create your very own customized two-dimensional bar code linking to your favorite web site, blog or wiki with the Vanity QR Code Generator. What will they think of next?

Here’s how this “cool tool” works: After accessing the site, users can enter the desired text they would like to appear within the QR code. There is a maximum of two lines permitted. Next, add the URL and select your favorite text color. Then click the “Go” button to see your very own personalized QR bling appear before your eyes! The only step left is to right click on the image to save it for use on all of your digital and/or print projects—blogs, wikis, business cards, resumes, flyers, brochures, etc!

Check out my new QR SWAG shown below. Pretty nifty, eh?

The only drawback I found associated with using this resource is that the first QR code is a freebie. After that the site requires that users purchase additional creations. The cost is $1.99 for a 10 pack.

Classroom Connection:

With the onset of mobile technology, quick response codes have become a very popular marketing crazes. Sure, you’ve seen them—on flyers, advertisement, brochures, mailings… They’re everywhere! And they are accompanied with a message that typically says, “For more information scan this code.” When you do so with one of the many QR code scanner apps that are available for smartphones and tablets, you will be taken directly to a website.

So, what does this marketing tool have to do with education? Check out the following article by Monica Burns to find out why and how you can integrate this “cool tool” into your classroom activities: Five Reasons I Love Using QR Codes in My Classroom.

Monica has also developed a number of QR Scavenger Hunts for several curricular topics. Check them out here.

Looking for other educational uses for this mobile technology? Then be sure to take a look at this fabulous presentation by Denise Webster: QR Codes in the Classroom. It’s an awesome guide for teachers!

Or how about this one: 40 Interesting Ways to Use QR Codes in the Classroom by Tom Barrett.

Now that you have these fabulous resources, all that’s left to do is to get busy planing your first—or next—QR Code activity!