Evaluation for QR codes in environmental museums

Abstract

The continued use of digital devices, such as smartphones and tablets, has substantially changed the way we communicate and acquire knowledge. Museums are a key element in our society and a source of culture. Updating the method of transmission of museum culture is needed, so technologies related to the Internet have been integrated into the exposed elements. One of the most widespread methods among innovation trends in museums is the use of Quick Response (QR) codes for the transmission of additional information to the exposed elements. The case of the Alborania Museum, being a museum of environmental education, has live animals in veterinary treatment, so the information on the available animals is constantly changing. Establishing posters would have an environmental impact that is against the museum's ethics, so QRs are the best way to present dynamic content with low environmental impact. This article proposes an evaluation of an educational innovation project in the Alborania Museum of Malaga through the Contribution Analysis, in order to verify the value of QR codes as an improvement in the transmission of environmental education. The results show a very good acceptance and usability in this museistic context. The conclusions of this study are relevant to the optimisation of environmental museum information.
 Keywords: QR code, museum, evaluation, contribution analysis, ICT, environmental education.