Implementation of QR codes in concept maps

Abstract

Concept maps are semantic networks that allow for the graphical representation of concepts and their interrelationships, highlighting the knowledge structures that people hold in their minds and becoming valuable learning tools. The software applications available for creating concept maps, provided through graphical or web interfaces, mostly use only text and, in some cases, incorporate images, making them monotonous for students. Furthermore, it is common for students to carry a cell phone (smartphone) or mobile device (tablet, etc.) and want to use it in the classroom, which almost always becomes a distraction. Therefore, teachers often feel compelled to prohibit their use instead of leveraging this technology for learning. To overcome the aforementioned problem, this experimental research was developed, which consisted of creating software to incorporate QR codes (Quick Response Codes) into concept maps. A QR code could store the URL (Uniform Resource Locator or web address) of a multimedia element (video, audio, web page, etc.) and these would be read with software that the student would run on the smartphone or mobile device, thus, the concept maps would be endowed with more dynamic and interactive elements and these devices would be used in a productive way, which could benefit the learning process at all educational levels.