The Ministry of Human Resources (MHRD) has announced on 29th Mar, 2018 that from next year, NCERT published textbooks will carry QR Codes. These QR Codes will contain additional resources such as web links to movies to help students understand the concepts better.

Purpose of Using QR Codes

The purpose of bringing QR Codes in school textbooks is to help students to understand the chapters of any subject better.

This is because QR Codes can provide in-depth information on any topic. One will be able to scan these QR Codes via a QR Code scanning application.

For the teachers, it would mean that they can keep their pupils more interested in the subjects being taught while aiding their own professional growth by using modern methods of teaching.

Benefits of Using QR Codes

According to Union Minister, Prakash Javadekar, QR Codes will contain additional materials such as films and videos that would help supplement the chapter being taught.

Thus, if it is a Chemistry chapter, it would show an experiment in action. In Geography, QR Codes can show videos on the creation of the universe and its state today.

The ways in which, QR Codes can be used in textbooks to supplement the written word in textbooks is thus endless.

QR Codes to be introduced in school textbooks from 2019
(Source: NCERT)

Initiative by the Government

According to Rina Ray, a special secretary of the MHRD, the introduction of QR Codes in textbooks is part of a soon-to-be-launched initiative named ‘Diksha’ by the Central Government.

This project aims to empower teachers all across India by providing them resources for teaching and learning. 

How to Use QR Codes

Follow the below-mentioned steps to scan QR Codes:

  • Download and install a free QR Code scanning app on your device
  • If already installed, make sure you are using the latest version by updating it
  • Open the app and align your camera against the QR Code
  • App will decode the QR Code. You’ll get additional instructions on how to access the supplementary material

These days attention spans in students is decreasing, while their affinity towards electronic gadgets is on the rise. Teaching students strictly by what is printed in the books is turning out to be a challenge. In such times, using such aids which, make use of existing technology to make learning a fun-filled activity is a welcome change.

How much time does it take for the Government to implement it across the country and whether or not it excites students is what remains to be seen.

(Featured Image: Indian Express)

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