Learning Exchange launches the ‘virtual library on 4’
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| Greg Whitby and Lisa Nash at the virtual library on 4 |
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| A range of digital resources can be accessed by QR codes |
On Thursday 29 September, Catholic Education’s Learning Exchange announced the arrival of the virtual library on 4, a portable display designed to provide Catholic Education Office (CEO) staff with access to educational eBooks, eResources, online information and websites.
Located on the fourth floor of the Catholic Education Office in Parramatta, the display is updated on a fortnightly basis providing staff with access to a variety of educational topics via eBooks and digital resources using quick response (QR) code technology. QR codes store data in a similar way to barcodes and are being used widely across business and education to connect people with multimedia digital content via smartphones and iPads.
QR codes work by directing people to a website or further resources through scanning a photo of the code through a QR reader app downloaded onto a smartphone or iPad. The main benefit of this technology is the amount of time it saves for the user in searching or typing in a URL.
The Learning Exchange librarian, Lisa Nash, says QR technology is useful for learning and research because it provides immediate access to resources.
‘It is quick and fast access to information via scanning technology,’ said Lisa. ‘QR codes easily connect people with digital media and link to additional information.’
‘The virtual library on 4 will give any staff member or visitor to the Catholic Education Office, the opportunity to utilise the resources available,’ she said. ‘We are also investigating how we can utilise this technology more widely in school libraries and staffrooms.’
The Learning Exchange is an initiative of Catholic Education, Diocese of Parramatta and provides access to a wide range of high quality resources and programs developed to support innovation and teacher learning in today’s world.
For more information about QR codes and recommendations of apps for your smartphone or iPad see the Learning Exchange Ed Library website: http://ceparralibrary.blogspot.com/2011/07/get-started-with-qr-codes-and-learning.html
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