Husky Howl November 2013 | Page 6

FAIRMONT PREPARATORY ACADEMY, ANAHEIM, CA NOVEMBER 2013   QR CODES By: Lydia Chen What is a QR code? -QR code (abbreviated from Quick Response Code) is the trademark for a type of matrix barcode (or twodimensional barcode). A barcode is an optically machine-readable label attached to an item that records information related to that item. The information encoded by a QR code may be made up of four standardized types ("modes") of data (numeric, alphanumeric, byte / binary, Kanji) or, through supported extensions, virtually any type of data. (From Wikipedia) Fairmont Prep is experiencing a technology revolution. With the one-toone iPad program highly valued by students and faculty, another wave of school-wide change is taking place. As you may already notice, there are QR codes posted everywhere on campus. Mrs. Kimberly Gerwatosky, one of the hardworking PrepTEC Coordinators, revealed her idea of introducing QR codes at school. "Technology is seeping into our daily lives more than ever before. I discovered that these QR codes have an amazing acceptance to our audience who are using smart phones at school." Simply turning on the app and scanning the code, you get quick access to the information you are looking for. We have received positive feedback from parents, students and teachers by claiming this new way of connection works really well for communication. Videos for classes, weekly menu for cafeteria and schedules for sport games can all be shared through QR codes. Furthermore, some foreign language teachers share audios by using QR codes to help students improve language skills. We were surprised that during Club Rush, many clubs included their club QR code on their posters and flyers to attract potential new members. As can be seen, QR codes are prevailing just as iPads, and this technology trend will keep influencing The Prep student’s lives. For more information on the Prep Tech program, check out the QR code below!