QRing Specialties’ Mobile Course Elements to Support VET Learners’ Cognitive Level

Abstract

This study aims to investigate the effectiveness of QR (Quick Response) codes in teaching and learning. More specifically, the study explores the extent to which, the use of QR codes, embedded in the learners’ class material, can improve their linguistic performance in English and enhance their interest and participation in their specialty lessons. For the purposes of the study, a number of 132 secondary vocational randomly selected school learners from four schools and eight classes, aged between 17–21 years, and four teachers took part in the research process. The study was implemented in five stages and had duration of three months. The research employed a mixed method using a quantitative and qualitative approach. Learners’ linguistic level before and after the intervention was measured with the help of the balanced state KPG test for foreign languages, while four focus groups, one per class, were also implemented. According to the results, it can be argued that the integration of the QR codes in the teaching material and process enhances both receptive English language skills but mainly reading. What is more, it seems that VET (Vocational and Technical Education) students found the use of QR codes interesting, innovative and helpful for their studies. © 2021, The Author(s), under exclusive license to Springer Nature Switzerland AG.