Wicked Problem Project: Part D - Findings and Implications

In large part, the project has been implemented as planned.  In response to a request from my manager to use passwords, I altered my original plan from creating a group of standalone websites each with its own QR code to having a homepage linked to a QR code with sub-pages. Instead of having a poster of different QR code hanging on the wall I’m taping several copies of the QR codes to the bin that we use to store classroom materials  

Unfortunately, we’re at the end of the school year  and there is limited incentive for Sloan*Longway educators to use the website for training.   So far the response overall has been positive and everyone has downloaded and been trained on the use of QR codes, but the site should expect to see use after the MEAP in October.

 
 The major thing I would have done differently is talk to our IT department first.  I showed the project to our network administrator last week and he indicated he would have gladly provided server space and web templates that met my requirements.  I didn’t ask because the organization’s website doesn’t convert to a mobile format, and I assumed that it wasn’t just wasn’t part of package.  He indicated that this was a decision made by the organization as opposed to limited capability.   

The biggest lesson I learned is to make sure to check within your organization for resources first and don’t assume they’re not available. I spent quite a bit of time looking for and implementing alternatives after my manager requested passwords, and I didn’t need to do that.   I try to outsource portions of my projects whenever possible and the results reinforced that practice.  I used Common Craft’s video to explain QR codes to the staff, and they were far more willing to put QR readers on their devices after viewing the video then when I demonstrated the codes myself.  I’m glad I had a a list of free QR readers ready for the staff.  The most enjoyable thing I learned was how to customize QR codes.  Unless you’re geek the plain codes look pretty unappealing, so it was nice to find an easy, free way to alter them. 

In closing, we have a whole list of activities that are for outreaches and summer classes, and I’d like to include those on the website.  I’m developing self grading assessments using Google Form for the sites and I won’t do that again.  Developing one is fun, but developing  ten is tedious.  I'd like to apply this format to a list I'm developing for BYOD environments.  The flow would look like this:  QR Code and URL pointing to a homepage (ex. Mindmap) > subpages (webapps, ios apps, etc) > links to the resource and directions for use.