Using QR codes in the science and technology center

Abstract

The aim of this study was to determine the high school students’ views about the trip to the science and technology center with QR code brochure. In the study, the design and development research method was used. The study group consisted of a total of 21 students studying in the 11th and 12th grades of the Technical Anatolian High School in the Marmara region in Turkey. In the study, an information brochure of the science and technology center located in the Marmara region was re-designed by enriched with QR code. Afterwards, a day trip to the STC was organized. Data were collected with semi-structured interview forms and analyzed according to the content analysis technique. According to the results of the study, before the trip the students stated that the QR code brochure had different, remarkable, informative, and lively elements. The students emphasized that the QR code brochure increased their interest and curiosity about the trip. The students indicated that they had a better quality of the trip thanks to the QR code brochure, they could visit many places in a short time, and the brochure guided them. After the trip, the students asserted that their favorite parts of the science and technology center were the Simulator and Planetarium. Most of the students confirmed that the science and technology center trip contributed to the lessons, that they applied and tried what they learned in the lesson. Therefore, QR codes can be used in teaching materials and outdoor activities since QR codes increase students’ motivation to lessons.