USING QR-CODES IN TEACHING ELECTRONICS – AN APPROACH TO INCREASE STUDENTS MOTIVATION

Abstract

The main objective of this paper is to present our experience of using QR codes in teaching electronics in engineering higher education. QR codes, placed on the appropriate breadboard or apparatus in the Electronics laboratory, are used to access short videos concerning the topic of the laboratory exercise. The size of the videos assures acceptable download time, making them compatible for use with smartphones and tablets. The QR codes enable students to watch the multimedia material several times, which allows them to follow their own learning pace. The new approach was used in 2017/2018 academic year, with 40 first year students. To compare the motivational impact of using QR codes, laboratory exercises were taught using two different learning scenarios – traditional learning environment (control group) and leaning environment that incorporates QR codes (experimental group). At the end of the course, all participants were handed IMMS questionnaire to collect quantitative data. Only the students from the experimental group were asked to complete a questionnaire that gathers information about students’ attitude toward using of QR codes and mobile devices in education. In this paper we present the results obtained from both quantitative and qualitative data which show the significant impact on the students’ motivation that have the incorporated QR codes in teaching process. In this article, we present the results obtained from both quantitative and qualitative data, which show the significant impact on students’ motivation that have the incorporated QR codes in teaching process.