DEVELOPING QR CODE-BASED READING MEDIA FOR INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY STUDENTS: A DESIGN SCIENCE RESEARCH

Abstract

This study was conducted to develop a QR code-based instructional medium aimed at enhancing Information Technology (IT) students’ reading comprehension and awareness of digital ethics at State Polytechnic of Lampung as a vocational university. This study applied Hevner’s Three Cycle View of Design Science Research by identifying classroom-based problems (relevance cycle), developing QR-integrated worksheets (design cycle), and grounding the design in theory and the TPACK framework, resulting in a practical and pedagogically sound learning tool. The media comprised interactive worksheets containing QR codes that directed students to curated digital texts on IT topics. Each text was accompanied by comprehension tasks and grammar-based activities, encouraging vocabulary expansion, inferential reading, and ethical reasoning. The results indicated that the media supported student engagement, improved understanding of IT-specific reading materials, and fostered character values including digital responsibility and honesty. The worksheet was evaluated through a theoretical lens, highlighting its instructional relevance and applicability in English for Specific Purposes (ESP) settings. The findings demonstrate how QR code-based media can serve dual purposes (developing linguistic competence and instilling ethical awareness). This paper contributes to the growing field of technology-enhanced ESP instruction by providing a replicable model for integrating digital content and character education into technical English learning environments.