‘Quick Response’ Codes
Understanding QR Codes
Digital Technologies Progress Outcomes
[CTDT] = PO1
Understanding that digital systems take input, process, and output information
Recognising QR codes as a data input mechanism
Understanding that digital devices store and use information
Recognising digital outcomes in everyday life
Beginning to evaluate usefulness of digital tools in context
Cross-Curricular Links
Real-world context, community & business, behaviour & society
Discussion, purpose & audience
Year Levels
Y4-6 (Scaffolded, conceptual, using closed digital ecosystems)
Y7-8+
Duration
1 lesson
Resources
Extension
Challenge learners to consider what hidden steps happen in the background between scanning a QR code and accessing content. Prompt them to identify roles and processes and put together a skit that demonstrates the process.
Prompt learners to consider real-world examples of where QR codes are used and to attempt to design and justify a better or simpler alternative. Explore the advantages and trade-offs of this digital tool.
Guide learners to try another activity in the Understanding QR Codes series:
About Activity
This activity is designed to introduce QR codes as a digital tool, including what they are, how they function in everyday contexts, and where we often find them, and why they’re used. Learners will observe where these visual codes appear in real life, discuss their purposes and effectiveness, and even practice using QR codes in guided contexts to understand how they work.
Guide learners to recognise QR codes as a way of accessing digital information, describe their role in simple digital systems with inputs and output, and begin to evaluate how their design and function impact people in the real world.
Activity Guide
Essential Guidance for Digital Safety & Wellbeing
QR codes are widely used in public and commercial environments, but not all QR codes are safe or trustworthy. Malicious QR codes can direct users to harmful websites, trigger unwanted downloads, or collect personal information without consent.
Teachers should:
Avoid encouraging students to scan random public QR codes, especially with personal or unsupervised devices
Provide pre-selected, trusted QR codes for classroom use
Make sure all linked content is age-appropriate and moderated
Supervise device use closely, particularly with younger learners
It is best practice to:
Use QR codes that link to teacher-created or school-approved content only
Introduce the idea that QR codes should not be trusted blindly, even if they appear in familiar places
Extension: Video Essay (Recommended for Y9+)
For older learners (rec. Y9+), consider using this video to help explain and demonstrate aspects of a QR code in more detail. These sections are most relevant to this activity:
00:38-09:38 The Pre-History of QR Codes [09:00]
09:38-12:32 The Story of QR Codes [02:54]
29:05-31:16 Applications of QR Codes [02:11]
32:24-35:00 The Future of QR Codes [02:36]
‘Understanding QR Codes’ Series
This activity is one of a series of resources related to QR codes, designed to guide learners to understand and gain skills related to this digital tool. Check out these other activities in the collection:
