Linking The Physical and Digital: QR-Code–Powered Teaching Resources for Advancing Electrical Circuit Literacy

Electrical‐circuit concepts often remain abstract for novices, and conventional print‐based resources provide limited interactivity. ‎This study examined whether QR-code, powered teaching materials, which seamlessly link physical worksheets to digital simula-‎tions and micro-videos, enhance students' electrical-circuit literacy compared with traditional instruction. A quasi-experimental pre-‎test/post-test design involved 128 first-year engineering students divided into experimental (QR) and control groups. Both groups ‎received identical content over four weeks; only the experimental group accessed QR-embedded tasks that triggered circuit simula-‎tors, schematic animations, and instant quizzes. Data were collected with the validated Electrical-Circuit Literacy Test (ECLT) and an ‎engagement questionnaire. Controlling for prior knowledge, ANCOVA evaluated learning gains, and thematic analysis explored ‎student perceptions. After adjustment, the QR group outperformed the control group on the ECLT, representing a significant effect ‎‎(Hedges g = 0.85). Engagement scores were significantly higher for interactivity (M = 4.32/5). Qualitative feedback highlighted ‎‎"on-demand clarifications" and "self-paced troubleshooting" as significant benefits. Embedding QR codes into circuit worksheets ‎effectively bridges physical and digital learning spaces, yielding measurable conceptual mastery and engagement gains. Educators ‎are encouraged to adopt scaffolded QR tasks and iterative feedback loops to promote deeper, self-regulated learning in STEM ‎courses.