When quick response codes didn't do the trick

Area of Science:

• Medical Education
• Educational Technology
• Lifelong Learning

Background:

• Medical education programs emphasize lifelong learning, a key competency for proficient medical care.
• Self-directed learning activities are crucial for developing lifelong learning skills in students.
• Innovative technologies are explored to enhance student engagement and resource utilization.

Purpose of the Study:

• To assess the utility of Quick Response (QR) codes as a technological tool in a traditional medical institution.
• To evaluate the impact of QR codes on students' self-directed learning initiative and resource access.
• To identify challenges and facilitators for implementing educational technology in medical training.

Main Methods:

• QR codes embedding lecture objectives and supplemental resources were integrated into PDF course handouts.
• A traditional classroom setting was used for the implementation of QR code technology.
• An in-class survey and further questioning were conducted to gather student feedback on QR code usefulness.

Main Results:

• Only 30% of medical students reported finding the QR codes useful.
• Students' lack of familiarity with QR code usage and perceived value of embedded content were key barriers.
• Despite being tech-savvy socially, students were not adept at using technology for educational purposes.

Conclusions:

• QR codes offer theoretical advantages for experiential and self-directed learning in medical education.
• Effective implementation of novel educational technologies requires explicit user instruction.
• Incorporating student feedback is essential when introducing innovative tools like QR codes into the classroom.