Do you Vimeo?

Following on from the previous post of making printed course resources interactive, I thought I would make a short video using my iPhone and upload it to this wordpress site in my allocated media files area.  Then I would create a QR code linking the url of the media file.

Then WordPress inserted a ‘But…’  It’s a simiar story when I try to embed an Audioboo.

I have to upgrade to use video, or upload video.  I understand about server space and all that, but sometimes free blog sites are just so limiting, and I am not willing to commit to an annual (and no doubt increasing) fee to maintain one.  So I looked around for a suitable (read ‘free’) video sharing site.

The one most recommended, and used by many industry websites too, is Vimeo https://vimeo.com/

So I have joined Vimeo, and created a channel, regant (follow me if you like).  I’ve linked my new video to a QR Code using qrstuff.com and then added this image to the course flyer. 

You can download the interactive flyer from my Dropbox Public folder and now I can email it to interested course participants 🙂  Yes, it’s not a prefessional video, but it’s a start 🙂

https://www.dropbox.com/sh/n8th4rn9d7oerpz/yoKBHl_Ex9

Vimeo NWP279

QR codes on campus and in class

This post follows on from an earlier one on QR Codes, where subsequently it has been decided that we would proceed trialling their use in an automotive class, but without applying for funding.

There appears to be a plethora of QR code generator sites (see http://www.708media.com/qrcode/a-list-qr-code-generators/ for one list), but significantly fewer QR Code manager ones (http://tagomobile.com/ is one of the better ones that I have found). 

Given that linkrot is a growing conern, as websites evolve, I am keen to ensure that staff in their eagerness do not create 200 different QR Code images linking to the same site, which then changes its url and we have 200 obsolete images 😦

I want to also use QR Codes for non-website links, such as virtual business cards, images, maps to our campuses, sending a SMS with class start details to a student’s phone…you know, stuff you want to see in an information sheet.

Here is another interesting article on using QR codes in education: http://www.dmolsen.com/mobile-in-higher-ed/2011/01/06/using-bit-ly-to-create-track-qr-codes/

What about website Copyright?

In the midst of having fun with creating QR codes, I remind teachers they also have an obligation to respect website copyright restrictions.

Links to relevant Legislation (http://www.legislation.qld.gov.au/OQPChome.htm )seems to be an obvious QR code creation (why type all that lengthy url when you can simply scan and be taken to the right page?).  But the copyright statement on this site clearly specifies that permission must be given prior to sharing any content – this would include via the QR code link.

I have advised teachers they seek copyright permissions from each website, if possible.  These permissions are then saved to a common area (managed via ResourceBank in QLD TAFE) to avoid duplicate requests.

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Revised Flyer layout (these QR codes were created at https://bitly.com/):

Water studies with Wide Bay TAFE

If you are already working in the water industry and new to the role of a treatment plant operator, talk to your employer about enrolling in these studies.  We can also provide recognition of existing skills and knowledge if you have experience in this area.

These studies are managed from our Hervey Bay campus in Queensland, Australia.  Scan this QR code (left) to get directions to this campus.

The NWP30107 Certificate III in Water Operations can progress you to a career as a water treatment operator.  If you are new to the water industry, Scan this QR code (right) for a short video on what working in this industry is like.