REAL-LIFE SKILLS DEALING DEALING WITH QR CODES AND BARCODES The main advantage of a QR code is its versatility, in fact, they can be used for anything, and everything can be done with them. It can be scanned anytime, anywhere with a smartphone app. The use of a QR code reduces paper and material consumption and allows file sharing. Though a QR code reader software or application is required in order to scan the QR code image and a QR code generator is also needed to generate the code, they are both available for free. Creating a QR code Use the Internet to find more information on QR codes and write a short text on their advantages. Add a final question. 6 Use a QR code generator and create a QR code for the text you wrote in the previous activity. 7 8 PAIR WORK Scan the QR code from your classmate. Read the text and answer the question. Then, work together to create a single, unique text about the advantages and disadvantages of QR codes. Why calculate the check digit of a barcode? It could be useful to know how to calculate the check digit of a barcode. Why? Let’s imagine you have a problem with your PC or any kind of peripheral and customer services ask you to read the barcode, but unfortunately, the last number, the check digit, is no longer readable. No problem. Just a bit of maths and here it is. Calculating the check digit in 5 steps Let’s assume that we are using the fictitious code 0 54321 22345 … Add all of the digits in the odd positions (digits in position 1, 3, 5, 7, 9, and 11). 0 + 4 + 2 + 2 + 3 + 5 = 16 Multiply by 3. 16 x 3 = 48 Add all of the digits in even positions (digits in position 2, 4, 6, 8 and 10). 5 + 3 + 1 + 2 + 4 = 15 Sum the results of steps 3 and 2. 48 + 15 = 63 Determine what number needs to be added to the result of step 4 in order to create a multiple of 10. 63 + 7 = 70 The check digit equals 7. 9 Calculate the check digits of the following barcodes. 9 87654 32109 ... 1 21016 80195 ... 0 51111 40759 ... 8 12345 00000 ...