U of G Handbook Uses QR Coding Technology
September 17, 2010 - News Release
The University of Guelph is using cutting-edge technology to connect with future students by incorporating QR codes in the latest admissions handbook.
A QR code is a square barcode that is readable by most smartphones and has encoded information that, when scanned, launches to a URL or other online data.
U of G is one of the first institutions in Canada to use the new technology.
QR codes have been added to the 2011 admissions handbook that, when scanned, will connect readers to YouTube videos of current students sharing their experiences at the University.
“Adding QR codes takes the student handbook to the next level and sends the message that the University of Guelph is at the forefront of advancement,” said Angie Gallupe, information services manager with Admission Services. “This technology is relatively new to North America and is just starting to take off.”
Incorporating the new technology into the handbook is also an effective way of providing information to both the parents and the students using multimedia, Gallupe added.
“We have two main audiences, the parents and the students, and we wanted to ensure the handbook catered to both. Today’s high school students are tech-savvy and are typically getting most of their information on the Internet. The QR codes allow prospective students to learn about the University in a way that they are accustomed to accessing information. It’s also a simple way of adding a video component to the handbook.”
The videos, which include the perspective of students from all 12 degree programs, are also a new component to the handbook.
“Having the student profiles on video helps bring the University to life and adds validity because prospective students have the chance to hear from their peers who are already attending U of G,” said Gallupe.
Admission Services hopes to eventually provide virtual tours of campus residences, dining areas and other facilities using QR codes, she added.
Close to 5,000 copies of the handbook will be sent to high schools across Canada. Another 30,000 will be distributed at the upcoming Ontario Universities' Fair, and more will be handed out during recruitment visits to high schools throughout the year.
For media questions, contact Communications and Public Affairs: Lori Bona Hunt, 519-824-4120, Ext. 53338, or lhunt@uoguelph.ca, or Deirdre Healey, Ext. 56982 or d.healey@exec.uoguelph.ca.
