University magazine QR codes inject life into print

University of Arkansas

University of Arkansas

The University of Arkansas has joined the ranks of other institutes of higher learning in adopting mobile technology. The university has begun offering a mobile version of their Research Frontiers magazine, made available through the scanning of QR codes with any capable mobile device. The magazine has long been a source for information regarding the multitude of student and faculty research conducted on campus.

The move to adopt QR codes is inspired by the often rushed nature of a student’s day. Between class, coursework and social activities, students rarely have the time to sit down and thumb through a magazine. By scanning the codes, they will be able to get a mobile version of the magazine on their smart phones.Research Frontiers Magazine

“We’re continuing to expand our use of this technology,” says Melissa Lutz Blouin, the magazine’s editor and Director of Science and Research Communications at the university. The content of the digital magazine differs from its print counterpart. Students will be able to view videos, slide shows and participate in forums set up for the discussion of research.

There will, of course, be content exclusive to both platforms. The print magazine will play host to a series of articles and interviews, while the digital version will host student films.

Blending the line between the digital and print world is something that the QR code does well. Many have characterized the advent of technology as the death of print. However, technology seems to be playing a fairly significant role in print’s revitalization.

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