By Seo Eun-mi
One of the new trends people are picking up these days is the Quick Response (QR) code-based registration, whenever we enter certain public places. One downside may be that we have to carry our smartphone all the time so that we can have smartphone-based QR code digital entry. Whenever I go to an indoor gym, I need to self-register using a QR code-based entry log. This is the new normal way of life since COVID-19.
We need to adopt this kind of sudden change in our daily life. For example, we must use a self-service kiosk to place an order at some restaurants. It is effective since we do not have to stand in line. It took time for me to figure out how to place an order. In one of my favorite Italian restaurants, there is a tablet at each table to place an order. The waiter does not come to take an order. It was complicated but I figured out how to do it.
These days, I prefer using the self-checkout machine whenever I go grocery shopping at supermarkets. Scanning the barcode in each item and paying with my credit card is convenient and fast. It is relatively COVID-19 safe. However, I found out these machines are increasingly replacing the human cashiers.
The other day, I had to extensively search for a special barcode in my smartphone application just to get a special discount at a bakery in my neighborhood. I was able to accomplish the mission after I asked tedious questions to the staff.
There are many things to learn to make our lives more efficient. I am willing to learn some special computer technology which is related to my major field including useful computer applications which can be used in the classroom. Just being exposed to professional seminars, I was able to learn a lot of useful information.
I realized that by using simple educational applications such as Kahoot, Mentimeter and Socratives, I was able to motivate students better in the virtual classroom. Students can use their smartphones to engage in learning activities. They are also very good at it. As I mentioned before, slight knowledge and information about a computer makes a lot of difference in the teaching profession.
I also felt great after I used those simple apps in a virtual Korean-language classroom. My American students have enjoyed using these applications, which was also great for breaking the ice in the classroom. These are very simple educational apps which teachers can use in a face-to-face classroom or in a virtual classroom. How simple and effective these apps are!
I will keep investing time to learn new teaching skills and education technology for the rest of my life. It is never too late to learn a new skill.
The author (emseo@howon.ac.kr) is a professor of English who is Indang Library Director at Howon University in Gunsan. She is also teaching the Korean language at the University of Maryland Global College.
 |
We need to adopt this kind of sudden change in our daily life. For example, we must use a self-service kiosk to place an order at some restaurants. It is effective since we do not have to stand in line. It took time for me to figure out how to place an order. In one of my favorite Italian restaurants, there is a tablet at each table to place an order. The waiter does not come to take an order. It was complicated but I figured out how to do it.
These days, I prefer using the self-checkout machine whenever I go grocery shopping at supermarkets. Scanning the barcode in each item and paying with my credit card is convenient and fast. It is relatively COVID-19 safe. However, I found out these machines are increasingly replacing the human cashiers.
The other day, I had to extensively search for a special barcode in my smartphone application just to get a special discount at a bakery in my neighborhood. I was able to accomplish the mission after I asked tedious questions to the staff.
There are many things to learn to make our lives more efficient. I am willing to learn some special computer technology which is related to my major field including useful computer applications which can be used in the classroom. Just being exposed to professional seminars, I was able to learn a lot of useful information.
I realized that by using simple educational applications such as Kahoot, Mentimeter and Socratives, I was able to motivate students better in the virtual classroom. Students can use their smartphones to engage in learning activities. They are also very good at it. As I mentioned before, slight knowledge and information about a computer makes a lot of difference in the teaching profession.
I also felt great after I used those simple apps in a virtual Korean-language classroom. My American students have enjoyed using these applications, which was also great for breaking the ice in the classroom. These are very simple educational apps which teachers can use in a face-to-face classroom or in a virtual classroom. How simple and effective these apps are!
I will keep investing time to learn new teaching skills and education technology for the rest of my life. It is never too late to learn a new skill.
The author (emseo@howon.ac.kr) is a professor of English who is Indang Library Director at Howon University in Gunsan. She is also teaching the Korean language at the University of Maryland Global College.
![[INTERVIEW] Partnerships with Korean companies help Delta Air Lines' post-pandemic recovery](https://img.koreatimes.co.kr/upload/thumbnailV2/892c5f8b83fc45018380807ff3c3d42b.jpg/dims/resize/178/optimize)
