University launches coded campaign to engage with young audience

Robert Gordon University's School of Computing is following in the footsteps of corporate giants such as Pepsi Max by launching a promotional campaign that uses leading technology to engage with its undergraduate audience.

Quick Response (QR) cards, in much the same format as a business card, are to be issued to maths, computing and science teachers in various locations across Scotland, which display a QR code that pupils can use to access a bespoke campaign website.

School pupils will either have to use the cameras on their mobile phones or web cams to scan the code, a colourful maze that is about the same size as barcodes on grocery products, which then takes them to the website by using a simple online application. Once directed to the site, it is hoped that youngsters will find it impressive and engaging.

Professor Ian Allison, Head of the University's School of Computing, explains:

"This interactive campaign, including the visual, snappy format of the new site, has been designed to draw out the exciting, technology-led aspects of the courses on offer at the School of Computing.

"Our aim is to surprise, attract and engage our mainly young audience by connecting with them on their level, using tools that mean something to them.

The School of Computing offers a wealth of innovative courses that are crucially relevant to industry today and we hope that the campaign will encourage young people to find out more about their further study options and a wealth of career opportunities open to them."

First year tutors will also be running an online chat room for prospective students on Wednesday 10 February from 4-6pm, and interested individuals can sign up for this via the new website. Visiting the site will also allow prospective students to sign up to go along to a School of Computing Open Doors event. For more information, and to see the new site for yourself, visit www.rgu.ac.uk/icreate <http://www.rgu.ac.uk/icreate>