January 2016 - Parks & Recreation - 43

ential learning opportunities. However, host agencies and
businesses also benefit from the fresh, new ideas and skills
the interns bring, particularly those related to technology.
One way HSU student interns have helped agencies
become more " tech friendly " is by developing Quick Response codes as a part of the agencies' interpretive programs. Quick Response code, more commonly referred to
as QR code, is a type of matrix barcode that's readable by a
machine or device. When the code is scanned by a device,
such as a smartphone, it links to information. QR codes are
particularly useful as a way of providing interpretive information along trail systems. Trail users with smartphones
scan the QR codes located at various points along the trail
and are directed by the code to a website that provides information related to that location.
Benefits and Limitations
As a part of the internship, students are required to document the work they performed for the host agency and
evaluate their work experience. The evaluation includes
the benefits and limitations of the QR code application as
an interpretive tool. Some of the benefits and limitations
identified are as follows:
Benefits:
* QR codes appeal to young people who enjoy using technology, thus encouraging them to get off the couch and
experience the natural resources available.
* QR codes allow visitors who may have missed an interpretive program to obtain information about a site at
their own pace.
* QR codes can link not only to informative text, but also
to photographs, videos and other information sources related to the site.
* Once the QR code is established, employees need only
update the webpage it links to, rather than code itself.
* QR codes can be printed from a desktop computer onto
paper stickers for cost efficiency.
Limitations:
* Users without smartphones or mobile devices would
not be able to access QR code information.
* In addition to having a device, users must download a
QR code reading application.
* Cell phone coverage and reception is necessary to use
the application, and natural areas often have limited
cell coverage.

Overall, it was determined that the benefits of establishing QR codes along trails outweigh the challenges.
Three years ago, at NRPA's Annual Conference,
NRPA, in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), launched an ambitious initiative to
connect 10 million children to nature and the outdoors.
The HSU students who are using their internship to
help agencies use technology to attract children are supporting this NRPA initiative. The more interested and
connected children are to the environment, the more
likely it is that they will pursue other outdoor experiences and become future advocates for the environment.

Kevin Riley, Ed.D., is an Assistant Professor of Recreation/Emphasis
- Natural Resource Management Department of Health, Physical
Education, Recreation and Athletic Training at Henderson State
University (rileyk@hsu.edu). Stonie Weeks has a Bachelor of Science
in Recreation from Henderson State University (sw172006@reddies.
hsu.edu).

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Clemson University
Master of Science Degree in
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