Abstract

Within Japan almost all mobile camera phones are equipped with two-dimensional barcode scanning technology as a standard feature. Consequently, QR (Quick Response) codes are now widespread throughout Japan as a means of product identification and advertising. Despite this, their implementation into public and private educational settings has been relatively slow due to the traditional exclusion of the mobile phone from the language learning classroom. This paper describes an investigatory project which attempts to introduce three specific examples of basic QR code-driven activities into a Japanese university English as a Foreign Language (EFL) classroom. The paper proposes that the merger of the mobile phone and the QR code be considered a productive way forward in achieving a semi-ubiquitous computing environment. The attitudes of 132 students toward mobile phone and QR code usage are discussed along with the advantages and disadvantages surrounding the implementation of such projects.

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