QR Code Community Service Program at SMAN 15 Bekasi

QR Code Illustration (Pixabay.com/Mohamed_hassan)

Partnership capacity needs to be increased through the involvement of every individual or group that will be the driver of change in sustainable development as a means of achieving all SDGs goals and targets. In an increasingly digital world, QR codes have emerged as a versatile and efficient tool for accessing information, enabling seamless interactions, and enhancing user experience.

QR (Quick Response Code) codes have become a very common technology used in everyday life. The ease of access and the ability to store significant amounts of information make it very potential to be used in various fields, including education. In the context of Japanese language learning, QR codes offer an innovative and efficient solution in creating evaluation instruments.

Evaluation instruments play a very important role in Japanese language learning. With the QR code, it is expected to collaborate in various Japanese language learning evaluation instruments because this is an opportunity and challenge in facing the industrial revolution 4.0. This article will discuss in detail the use of QR codes in creating interactive, effective, and flexible Japanese language evaluation instruments.

The Advantages of QR Codes in Japanese Language Evaluation

Compared to conventional evaluation methods such as paper-based written tests, QR codes offer several significant advantages:

Easy Accessibility: Students only need to scan the QR code using their smartphones to access the assessment materials. This eliminates the hassle of distributing and collecting exam papers, especially in large classes or distance learning.

High Interactivity: QR codes can link to various types of interactive assessment materials, such as online quizzes, recorded speaking exercises, grammar explanation videos, or even conversation simulations. This makes the assessment process more interesting and engaging for students.

Flexible Customization Capabilities: Evaluation instruments created with QR codes can be easily customized and updated. Teachers can quickly change questions, add new materials, or change the evaluation format as needed.

Efficient Use of Resources: The use of QR codes significantly reduces paper usage, contributing to environmental conservation efforts. In addition, the process of correcting and processing evaluation data can also be done more efficiently through an online system.

Quick Feedback: Some online platforms connected with QR codes offer instant feedback features, so students can immediately know the results of their evaluations. This allows for a more effective and faster learning process.

Application of QR Codes in Various Types of Evaluation Instruments

Illustration of a student scanning a QR code

QR codes can be applied in various types of Japanese language evaluation instruments, including:

Multiple Choice Test: QR codes can connect to multiple-choice online quizzes. Students can answer questions through their smartphones and the system will automatically correct the answers and give scores. Teachers can create various variations of questions according to the students' ability levels.

Fill in the Blanks Test: QR codes can lead to fill-in-the-blank exercises that ask students to complete sentences or paragraphs with the correct vocabulary or grammar. The system can check answers against predetermined patterns and vocabulary.

Writing Test (Essay): While not autocorrection-enabled, QR codes can be used to access essay writing guides, sample essays, or grading rubrics. This helps students understand the grading criteria and improve the quality of their essays.

Listening Test: QR codes can link to audio or video recordings containing listening material. Listening questions can be presented in multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, or essay formats.

Speaking Test: The QR code can lead to an online voice recording platform. Students can record their answers to speaking questions, and teachers can listen to and grade the recordings. The platform can even provide automatic transcription features to make the grading process easier.

Reading Test: QR codes can be used to access reading texts in a variety of formats, such as articles, short stories, or dialogues. Reading questions can be presented in multiple-choice, fill-in-the-blank, or essay formats.

Japanese Language Portfolio: QR codes can be used as an index for students’ digital Japanese portfolios. Students can input all their works, such as essays, presentations, and speaking recordings, into an online platform connected with QR codes. Teachers can easily access and assess the portfolios.

Steps to Utilize QR Codes in Creating Evaluation Instruments

Here are practical steps in utilizing QR codes to create Japanese language evaluation instruments:

Determine the Type of Evaluation: First determine the type of evaluation you want to create (for example, multiple choice test, listening test, speaking test).

Choose Online Platform: Choose an appropriate online platform to create and manage assessment instruments. Some popular platforms include Google Forms, Kahoot!, Quizizz, or other online learning platforms. Consider the features offered, such as autocorrect, instant feedback, and student data management.

Create Evaluation Materials: Create evaluation questions by paying attention to the level of difficulty and their suitability to the learning material.

Create QR Code: Use the online QR code generator to create a QR code that links to the selected online platform link. Make sure the link is working properly.

Integrate QR Codes into Evaluation Instruments: Print the QR code on the exam sheet or place the QR code on a presentation slide.

Give Clear Instructions: Provide students with clear instructions on how to scan the QR code and access the assessment materials.

Evaluation and Analysis of Results: After students complete the evaluation, check and analyze the evaluation results to determine student understanding and make adjustments to the learning process.

Considerations and Challenges

Despite offering many benefits, utilizing QR codes in Japanese language evaluation also has several considerations and challenges:

Internet Access: The availability of stable internet access is very important to ensure that students can access evaluation materials smoothly.

Technology Skills: Both teachers and students need to have adequate technological skills to use the QR codes and the chosen online platform.

Data Security: Make sure the online platform used has a good data security system to protect student privacy.

Equality of Access: It is important to pay attention to equal access to technology, especially for students who may not have smartphones or adequate internet access.

Implementation of PKM at SMAN 15 Bekasi

Community service activities regarding the use of QR codes as a medium for making Japanese language evaluation instruments were held at SMAN 15 Bekasi offline by observing health protocols. The reason for holding the workshop offline is because the training for making this media must be very technical, so a mentoring system is needed. The implementation of this activity is in the form of training of trainers.

The activity began with an opening by the MC and presentation of material by the author as the speaker. The training material not only covered the technical implementation of making evaluation instruments using QR codes, but also insight into the history of the emergence of QR codes and the scope of their use so far. Participants also received a manual and examples of evaluation instruments that had been made previously. After that, it was continued with a presentation on how to make QR codes both through websites and applications and how to make examples of evaluation instruments by the writing team. Then, a question and answer session was opened by the moderator. The teachers enthusiastically asked questions to the writing team.

PKM Response at SMAN 15 Bekasi

Community service activities through the use of QR codes as a medium for making Japanese language evaluation instruments received a positive response from the participants. This is in accordance with the feedback given both directly and through filling out questionnaires by the participants. After that, the community service activities were closed with documentation.

Participants who have received training in making this instrument are expected to be able to apply it in teaching and learning activities in the classroom effectively and instill a creative spirit in making media for evaluation.

Conclusion

QR codes offer an innovative and efficient approach to creating Japanese language assessment instruments. With their flexibility and interactivity, QR codes can improve the quality and effectiveness of the assessment process, creating a more engaging and interesting learning experience for students. However, careful planning and consideration of factors such as internet access and equality of access to technology are needed to ensure successful implementation. With proper management, the use of QR codes in Japanese language assessments can be a valuable tool in improving the quality of Japanese language learning.