Today’s college student has grown up in a technological world and, therefore, has a familiar relationship with technological devices and applications. In a 2013 study by Common Sense Media, it was estimated that 38 percent of kids under age 2 were able to use a tablet or smartphone before they could speak in sentences. Likewise, a 2013 College Explorer study by re:fuel (a leading marketing firm, powered by Crux Research) revealed that the average college student owns almost seven tech devices, the laptop computer being the most commonly owned, followed by the smartphone. Because of this trend, college students often are more tech savvy than practitioners, especially older practitioners working in the public sector where budgets, personnel and opportunities for tech training tend to be limited.

However, in the park and recreation field, there are many opportunities for public agencies to use technology to enhance the public’s recreational experience. Students can demonstrate their skills by helping agencies that are looking to take advantage of technological tools and applications. Students in the Recreation-Natural Resources Management program at Henderson State University are doing just that. They are helping recreation agencies and businesses take advantage of the benefits of technology while gaining valuable hands-on experience, not to mention credit hours and (sometimes) pay.

Henderson State University (HSU), located in Arkadelphia, Arkansas near the foothills of the Ouachita Mountains, is the only public liberal arts university in the state of Arkansas. The rural character of the state, which includes large areas of publicly managed lands, creates many opportunities for people to experience the outdoors. Arkansas is fortunate to have many excellent facilities and programs designed to enhance the outdoor recreational experience of its users. However, the agencies that provide these programs need to find ways to incorporate technology into the experience as a way of luring young people, who may not consider visiting a park unless they can use their tech device as a part of the experience.

Research suggests that children need to spend more time outside being physically active and less time engaged in sedentary activities such as sitting and playing video games or watching TV. According to a 2010 Kaiser Family Foundation study, young Americans, ages 8 to 18, spend an average of 7.5 hours a day using tech devices. Other studies have established a link between screen time, particularly TV screen time, and obesity. Many families are looking for ways to wean their children from the couch. 

Incorporating Technology

At HSU, students in the Recreation-Natural Resources Management program are helping practitioners take advantage of technological opportunities to engage young people through the program’s internship experience. The primary purpose of the internship is to provide students with practical, experiential learning opportunities. However, host agencies and businesses also benefit from the fresh, new ideas and skills the interns bring, particularly those related to technology. 

One way HSU student interns have helped agencies become more “tech friendly” is by developing Quick Response codes as a part of the agencies’ interpretive programs. Quick Response code, more commonly referred to as QR code, is a type of matrix barcode that’s readable by a machine or device. When the code is scanned by a device, such as a smartphone, it links to information. QR codes are particularly useful as a way of providing interpretive information along trail systems. Trail users with smartphones scan the QR codes located at various points along the trail and are directed by the code to a website that provides information related to that location. 

Benefits and Limitations

As a part of the internship, students are required to document the work they performed for the host agency and evaluate their work experience. The evaluation includes the benefits and limitations of the QR code application as an interpretive tool. Some of the benefits and limitations identified are as follows:

Benefits:

• QR codes appeal to young people who enjoy using technology, thus encouraging them to get off the couch and experience the natural resources available.
• QR codes allow visitors who may have missed an interpretive program to obtain information about a site at their own pace.
• QR codes can link not only to informative text, but also to photographs, videos and other information sources related to the site.
• Once the QR code is established, employees need only update the webpage it links to, rather than code itself.
• QR codes can be printed from a desktop computer onto paper stickers for cost efficiency.
  
  

Limitations:

• Users without smartphones or mobile devices would not be able to access QR code information.
• In addition to having a device, users must download a QR code reading application.
• Cell phone coverage and reception is necessary to use the application, and natural areas often have limited cell coverage. 

 

Overall, it was determined that the benefits of establishing QR codes along trails outweigh the challenges.

Three years ago, at NRPA’s Annual Conference, NRPA, in partnership with the National Wildlife Federation (NWF), launched an ambitious initiative to connect 10 million children to nature and the outdoors. The HSU students who are using their internship to help agencies use technology to attract children are supporting this NRPA initiative. The more interested and connected children are to the environment, the more likely it is that they will pursue other outdoor experiences and become future advocates for the environment.

Kevin Riley, Ed.D., is an Assistant Professor of Recreation/Emphasis - Natural Resource Management Department of Health, Physical Education, Recreation and Athletic Training at Henderson State University. Stonie Weeks has a Bachelor of Science in Recreation from Henderson State University.