Using QR codes to create an immersive mobile learning experience
Self-service & cloud based learning solutions have transformed the role of learning professionals and also unloaded a significant amount of effort. The mobile first ecosystem also presents learning professionals a unique opportunity to keep innovating in terms of how employees stay engaged through the course of a learning journey.
Most organisations including ours have invested in IPads or tablets as learning tools. Some allow employees to bring in their own devices (BYOD). This is where QR Codes come into play in helping improve efficiency and also engagement. I will skip explaining QR codes as there’s enough information available online on this theme.
An interesting way for L&D professionals to look at QR codes will be as a tool that helps integrate learning components in the physical classroom (posters, classroom itself, handouts, reading material etc) with the online world of rich media. This integration via a mobile device creates several possibilities. Also the better use cases of mobile devices in learning are for review, assessment, just in time information, testing and performance coaching rather than using them as additional real estate for pushing out e-learning (however interactive or gamified it may be).
Like with any technology, the possibilities with QR code ends where your imagination does, but here are my top 3 recommendations:
Make your printed learning material come alive
The printed learning material is an animal that still continues to thrive. Including QR codes not only cuts down the length but also enables the ability to include rich media (videos, podcast, links etc). A starting point will be to create a video of the key concepts that are being shared via the printed material and include it as a QR code. This also enables you to cater to multiple learning styles. Those readers who want the details can access the QR code which point them to a detailed white paper, research report etc while those who are only interested in the key takeaways and a nugget may be inclined to watch the video. The option of doing both can also be used by some learners. All this in a single page printout that can be posted within the classroom or handed out during the workshop.
Build QR code based challenger games within the workshop
An easy way to gamify the classroom experience is for the trainers to build role plays, simulations and team contests by integrating QR codes in the workshop setting. Ask participants to work in teams, review specific pieces of content, collaborate, role play and then maybe present to the larger group. The ability to research content and join the dots will also build research skills. Here’s an example of how we have used this within a selling skills workshop.
Here’s a picture of participants scanning QR codes posted in the classroom to find their respective clues for a treasure hunt.
Just in time learning
If you are using a standard slide deck and there are videos, blogs, other links that provide additional reading material, these can be embedded in a QR code. Not only does it save the trainer the trouble of mailing out the materials later but also allows participants to review some of these during the workshop and engage in discussions. This obviously works on the assumption that the facilitator builds in enough buffer / discussion time in the workshop.
Potential challenges for trainers
QR codes by themselves is not a new concept and most people will have used them to read magazine extensions, newspaper articles, view videos or even in malls as part of the standard billboard advertising. In-case, they have not, you will have to ask participants to download a QR reader from the App store. The basic consideration here is obviously a smart phone with a decent camera but given that, this is fairly hygiene, this won’t become a roadblock.
You can be rest assured that once participants get used to the idea, the awareness and enthusiasm spreads rapidly.
Additional reading: Scan the QR code to get 40 interesting ways to use QR codes in the classroom.
In summary
With more organisations encouraging mobile learning, QR codes present an interesting opportunity to improve the speed of sharing media rich content and make the learning immersive.
What are your thoughts ? Are there any experiments within learning where you have tried using QR codes? I would love to hear your comments.
