The+Backstory

QR (Quick Response) Codes started in Japan in 1994. Toyota used them instead of barcodes. The difference between barcodes and QR codes is that barcodes must scanned horizontally, but QR codes can be scanned both horizontally and vertically. In Japan, marketers figured out that QR codes were cheap and easy advertising and started placing them on print ads throughout the city. In 2008 they started making their way into the US. Now you can find them on everything from business cards to raisin boxes.They are growing by leaps and bounds here in the U.S. Some sources report a daily growth of 1200% in QR code use in the marketing field!

The ability to quickly link to the web without having to type in a website is not only great for businesses but perfect for students and school use. Think about how often kids type in websites incorrectly or how often you have to print that assignment that has links on it. Now the students have something to scan that can lead them to the web. This eliminates worries about typing links incorrectly or students getting sidetracked while Googling the website address.