From paper to pixels: an investigation of the feasibility and acceptability of QR code attendance-taking in a higher education setting

The advancement of information technology has benefited education, industry, health, and government by boosting communication, knowledge exchange, and productivity. According to research, QR codes can make learning and reference simple and enjoyable. QR codes are popular two-dimensional barcodes because they are inexpensive, simple to create, and can carry information. These attributes make QR codes ideal for applications in education, especially for attendance-taking, an essential aspect of academic assessment in higher education. While this practice is often done manually, it could be time-consuming and disruptive to the students during final examinations. This study investigates the feasibility and acceptability of adopting QR codes for attendance-taking during final examinations in a higher education and the perceived usefulness and attitude toward using this approach. Results indicate that the QR code scanning practice was feasible and acceptable to students. Besides, using QR code scanning for attendance eliminates the need for paper-based sheets, thereby reducing waste and, in alignment with the goal of SDG 12, encourages more sustainable consumption patterns through paper usage reduction and wastage.