Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT)

Creating and Using QR Codes

Background

QR codes can be used to attract/direct users to websites among other applications (see footnotes, below). Static QR codes can be created quickly and easily using a free QR Code generator. Given that there are "6.648 billion" (Bankmycell.com) smartphones in the world, "288 million" (Bankmycell.com) of which are in the United States, there is an opportunity to reach a broad swath of global users to drive traffic to a website or to another application via QR code.

Needs Analysis

A survey (n = 172) was conducted to elicit the state of play about QR codes. Results were gathered and analyzed; and, the findings indicated that a majority (78%) of survey respondents were either unaware of what a QR code was and/or how to create one. Thus, a need has been identified to raise awareness about the ease with which static QR codes can be created and how they can be used as an efficient and cost-effective means to promote/market a website, the focus of which will be presented in this first (in a series of) synchronous, virtual instructor-led training (VILT) session(s) to bridge the knowledge and skills gap.

Target Audience & VILT Promotion

Anyone with an Internet connection who is interested in learning how to quickly and easily create and use a static QR code. This VILT may be promoted as a synchronous training session posted on LinkedIn to elicit participants' enrollment.

Tools Used

Google Slides, AhaSlides, FTTP.com, Envato Elements, SnagIt, QRStuff.com, SurveyMonkey, Screencast-o-Matic, YouTube, Google Drive

Footnotes

QR codes can also be used to drive traffic to an ePortfolio, YouTube video, Social Media sites (LinkedIn, Facebook, Instagram, Twitter, SkypeCall), and more. As opposed to static QR codes, dynamic QR codes can be edited after creation and can be used to gather and monitor user data, which could be beneficial for tracking and analyzing the number of users' along with their profile, location, type of device used, etc. Future QR codes training sessions will feature additional information about dynamic QR codes along with other possible applications.