QR Codes are those little bar code looking squares that you see in magazines, on business cards, on signs etc. QR stands for quick response. The QR code format was created in 1994 by a subsidiary of Toyota.
They contain information that can be read when scanned by a mobile phone with a camera and a QR code reader app that processes them.
In the far east they are highly popular and can be seen around from street signs to even grave stones.
They are license free so anyone can generate them and it is quite easy to implement them in a design, although esthetically they aren't the most pleasing.
I used to use Zxing's QR Code Generator and it is still a great tool for basic renditions but Kerem Erkans QR Code Generator is one that you can generate as a PDF, PNG, EPS for those that would like to import it easily into Illustrator with a vector.
Here is a look at Kerem's Control Panel:
Click image to see full panel
Some of his more advanced presets are:
Browse to a website
Bookmark a website
Make a phone call
Send an text message
Send an Email
Create a Vcard (import contact info into phone)
Create a vCalendar event (import events calendar program)
Google Maps
Youtube URL
Encode the latest tweet of a user
Tweet on Twitter
So what can you do with a QR CODE?
Infographic with link to Youtube video of student work
Here are a few ideas to get you started:
Place event info on an flyer or poster with either a QR code to take you to the event website, buy now on ticketmaster, or to schedule it as a calendar event.
A lobster food truck (you hearing this Christina) could have a QR code of a Tweet that diners can scan to tweet that they loved their food.
T-shirt QR code with contact info, great for the single person or conversely you could have one of your digital designs on the front of the shirt and on the back the QR Code with contact info.
Use it on Real estate signs for a virtual house tour or to the landing page of the home for images.
Works great on your business card with contact info as they can scan in the info instantly instead of inputting the info all themselves.
Link to webpages so that you can track marketing plans with Google Analytics.
I have seen it used for tattoos although make sure the information will never change, or else!!!
Use on a marketing scavenger hunt to ensure everyone hits every spot on the checklist.
If you own a Cafe and are offering free wireless put up QR code for them to scan your WiFi settings to log them on.
Here is some interesting uses of QR Codes I have seen online:
Awesome for Marketing your Graphic Design
QR Code to add friends
Create a name for yourself with a QR Code
Use a QR Code for Charity
Tattoo a QR Code for Life
Take your QR Codes on vacation
Order or tweet that your products are the best!!
Add some handcrafts to the equation
Use it for Customer Relationship Management
Get artistic with QR Codes
Designing with QR Codes is all about the contrast in colours
Have Marketing contests based on QR Codes
Add QR Codes to your product
Stand out be creative with your QR Codes
Now go out and create your own masterpieces you are only limited by your imagination...
First day a student walks into my classroom, I sit down and ascertain what their goals are
for the program. Do they want to be a Graphic Designer, do they want to start their own
online business, are they looking to market their services better, or are they just creative in nature and thought it would be a good fit.
I like to wow students and motivate them to perform. Learning at a Private College is
different than as a student at a University. Everyone that walks through the door doesn't have 4 years to learn some skills, they need to get job ready in 6 to 12 months. Our Digital Media & Marketing intensive course covers subjects that would take 2 1/2 years to learn at a Community College, and 4 Years at a University.
The bonus for the student is that what we teach them today is relevant at their job interview, whereas what a student learned in year one at a University might be obsolete by year four especially in the fast moving Digital Media realm. One program is hands on the other is theoretical both have their advantages and strengths.
With an intensive program like the one I teach a students learning ability and motivation is key to future success, it is also what will make the difference for them out in the workplace. So my teaching strategy is based on maximizing and inspiring their learning journey. First off I try to find out what type of learner the student is, so that I can help them attain their goals in the shortest amount of time possible.
In Class Focus
I use the Felder's Index to help me analyze an individual plan for each student (Felder is
co-director of the National Effective Teaching Institute in the US). He breaks down how
individuals lean towards different stratagems for attaining knowledge in 4 different categories that have alternate hemispheres.
So appreciating which way students themselves lean helps them learn at a higher rate.
Everyone learns through all of the methods but they lean in each category to one side or the other.
Here is the breakdown:
Digital Photography Workshop out of Classroom Setting
Active/Reflective Learning
Active learning is when you want to learn
something hands on or in a group.
Reflective learning is when you want to think
about the subject and would prefer to work
alone.
Digital Strategies
Sensing/Intuitive Learning
A Sensor wants facts, rules, and is good at memorizing.
An Intuitive learner you want to think about the possibilities, ponder concepts, and want
to be innovative with the lessons.
Visual/Verbal Learning
Visual learners like information presented in pictures, diagrams, videos, and demonstrations.
Verbal learners like to get their information through verbal communication with words presented through lectures, and also in text format through books.
Learning Should be Fun
Sequential/Global Learning
Sequential learners like to get their information in a step by step process, with lists, and hands on training that walks them through the course material.
Global learners tend to draw information from everywhere a bit at a time and have aha moments where it all comes to them in one large leap.
I cover all the bases in my lesson plans but it is good to let students personalize their way of learning so that they can maximize their results going forward with self instruction.
I run the gamut from lecturing, to group work, to text books, hands on training, videos, media such as
infographics, and alone time to get the materials digested as best as possible.
I am putting this Blog up to cater to my students whether they are current, grads, or future students.
As I have traveled in the past between multiple campuses this will make a great resource for all.
My job has always been to not only teach but to inspire, and in turn I have benefited from many a talented student who has inspired me in return during this process.
So the Instructor's Guide to Digital Media & Marketing Life will endeavor to (in my spare time) amass a good library of information, tips, resources, links, how to's, as well as videos that I hope will be helpful to others.
You don't have to be a student of mine past or present to partake in the fun, everyone is welcome to join in.
Topics will range from Graphic Design, Web Design, Video Production, Social Media, Marketing, Business Management, Adobe Creative Suite/Tools, Job Search, Portfolios, Infographics, SEO, SEM, Analytics, Freelancing, and anything else under the Digital Sun.
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