Evaluation of an Online Instructional Database Accessed by QR Codes To Support Biochemistry Practical Laboratory Classes

Yip, T, Melling, L and Shaw, KJ (2016) Evaluation of an Online Instructional Database Accessed by QR Codes To Support Biochemistry Practical Laboratory Classes. Journal of Chemical Education, 93 (9). pp. 1556-1560. ISSN 0021-9584

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Abstract

An online instructional database containing information on commonly used pieces of laboratory equipment was created. In order to make the database highly accessible and to promote its use, QR codes were utilized. The instructional materials were available anytime and accessed using QR codes located on the equipment itself and within undergraduate student practical handouts. The database and access mechanism was evaluated during multiple undergraduate practical sessions, and the students were able to provide feedback through completion of a questionnaire. The majority of the participating students reported that the QR Instructor was easy or very easy to use (89%) and made using the laboratory equipment easier or much easier (70%). Just under two-thirds (63%) of the students felt that having used the QR Instructor they were more confident in using the equipment than before, and three-quarters (75%) of students stated that they felt better or much better equipped to use similar equipment in their future employment. Overall, 90% of those students who responded to the questionnaire said that they would recommend the use of the online instructional database. The proposed system therefore has been shown to enable easy access for students to online instructional information as well as enhancing the learning experience with increased student confidence.