Name & email: Lindsay Jordan (l.jordan@bath.ac.uk)
Keywords (pedagogical): collaboration, discussion, e-tivities
Keywords (technical): QR codes
Discipline: Built environment
Year / ability: Masters level
Course title: Msc International Construction Management

Background
What took place?
In December 2008 we incorporated QR codes into the students’ workfiles (the printed material that accompanies their distance learning studies). The QR codes are displayed alongside group discussion activities presented in the workfile that are to be completed online. An example of how the QR codes are displayed within the workfiles can be seen here: http://www.flickr.com/photos/36539173@N06/3367893820/.
An explanation of the codes and how they might be used was provided in the students’ study guides (http://www.flickr.com/photos/36539173@N06/3366963521/)

What was the role of the technology?
The programme is in a transitory stage between traditional paper-based and online distance learning. The emphasis on content is gradually decreasing as greater importance is placed on collaborative knowledge construction and sharing of and reflecting upon professional experience. We are looking into presenting core content in a more appropriate (electronic) format for future cohorts. In the meantime the QR codes provide a hard link from the paper workfiles to the group discussions and reflective activites.

Outcomes
We are currently seeking student feedback on their experiences of using (or not using) the QR codes; in particular we are asking for responses to the following questions:

• Did they notice the QR codes in the workfile? Did they know what they were for? Did they read the information about QR codes in the study guide? Was it helpful?
• If they didn’t use the QR codes, why not? E.g. didn’t know what they were for, didn’t have necessary software on phone, couldn’t access internet on phone, didn’t have the right mobile browser to view & use the web page… etc.
• If they did use the QR codes, did they find them useful? In what way(s)? Have they any suggestions for how they might be more useful, or any other ways we could use them to enhance their learning experience?

Initial responses to these questions are currently being sought via a discussion forum on the programme area in the VLE, and there is the potential to explore further any issues raised at the next residential school in June.

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