One of the things that public relations scholars and academics want to make sure that they do is not only keep up with the technology and understand how and why people are using it (ex. social media, mobile applications, etc), but they also want to make sure to bring in these new features and tools into the classroom. One of the things that I have seen more public relations professionals implement in their campaigns have been QR Codes.
But the question is – how do you use and integrate QR Codes in the classroom? Simple, here are a few ways that I have done this in and out of my class:
- Provide an in-class activity for the students to find out what information is being presented in the QR Code:
Present on a PowerPoint slide a QR Code, and ask the students to figure out what information is in the code. Have the students download the software to their smartphone (ScanLife is a good application for this and it is is available to download on most smartphones), and have them try to figure out what information is in the QR Code. If students do not have a smartphone, ask them to go to a QR Code Generator site and create a QR Code with information, and provide a copy for the instructor to look at.
- Incorporate QR Code Technology into Case Study Presentations:
Have the students work in groups for particular case studies, and one of the things that you can ask them specifically to do is integrate the use of the QR code technology into their campaign. Will it be something to do to provide information during a crisis communication campaign? Or will it be posted along with other publication materials about providing information about an upcoming event? Who would use this technology specifically (ex. specific audiences)? Not only will this allow the students to be aware of the technology, but they will have to think critically to determine how to be strategic in applying this new form of technology in a public relations campaign.
- Tailor class quizzes with QR Codes:
Make sure that each individual student has a set of five or so QR Codes with quiz questions, so this allows each quiz to be different and personalized for the particular student. 🙂
- Show how students can use QR Codes with Business Cards:
They can create their own QR Code to publish on their business cards with their contact information, and this allows individuals to access their information on their smartphones. In addition, but being able to show employers that you know the technology and how to apply it strategically in managing your reputation, this will be very good for you.
- Post office hours with a QR Code:
I feel that learning also is important outside of the classroom, and creating a QR Code for your office hours will motivate students not only to figure out when your office hours are, but they will get first hand experience in using the technology to access information. 🙂
There are many possibilities to implementing QR Codes for public relations professionals, and it is essential that we incorporate the new technology into the classroom to best prepare our students for the evolving workplace. Hope you all are having a wonderful day!
Best Wishes,
Karen
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