I have recently begun my internship for my final MSIT requirement and I have been researching TurningPoint, a company partnered with Microsoft that manufactures Student Response Systems (SRS). A student response system is similar to the small hand-held devices used on the popular television game show "Who Wants to be a Millionaire". These devices are a powerful tool for obtaining audience feedback during lectures and presentations and are great in the classroom to increase student participation. I am sure you all remember those huge lecture hall classes in college where you're in the last row in a room full of hundreds of students. It's hard enough to stay awake let alone pay attention! The SRS is perfect for keeping the class motivated
and interested. Similar to the 30 second quizzes that Dr. Nicholson inserts into our Online Course Design class, professors can add a short quiz or single question to their PowerPoint lecture to keep students focused on what they're learning. Within seconds, the professor will have instant feedback from all students. This feedback can be used to determine learning retention or even interest in the subject. SRS may also be used to take class attendance, completely eliminating the time it takes for 100 students to say "here!" and can also track student participation points. If answers are graded, students will have to pay attention instead of messing with cell phones, iPods and other gadgets during class. Results are displayed in may types of charts and graphs, so the class will see what percentage picked "B" and so on. It makes learning fun and interactive. It is also an easy way for a teacher to determine what areas the students are having trouble with. If 75% of the class guesses the incorrect answer, it is clear to the instructor that the class needs a review of that information. Technology is really changing (and improving) the face of education. I can't wait to see what's next!
I have recently begun my internship for my final MSIT requirement and I have been researching TurningPoint, a company partnered with Microsoft that manufactures Student Response Systems (SRS). A student response system is similar to the small hand-held devices used on the popular television game show "Who Wants to be a Millionaire". These devices are a powerful tool for obtaining audience feedback during lectures and presentations and are great in the classroom to increase student participation. I am sure you all remember those huge lecture hall classes in college where you're in the last row in a room full of hundreds of students. It's hard enough to stay awake let alone pay attention! The SRS is perfect for keeping the class motivated 
and interested. Similar to the 30 second quizzes that Dr. Nicholson inserts into our Online Course Design class, professors can add a short quiz or single question to their PowerPoint lecture to keep students focused on what they're learning. Within seconds, the professor will have instant feedback from all students. This feedback can be used to determine learning retention or even interest in the subject. SRS may also be used to take class attendance, completely eliminating the time it takes for 100 students to say "here!" and can also track student participation points. If answers are graded, students will have to pay attention instead of messing with cell phones, iPods and other gadgets during class. Results are displayed in may types of charts and graphs, so the class will see what percentage picked "B" and so on. It makes learning fun and interactive. It is also an easy way for a teacher to determine what areas the students are having trouble with. If 75% of the class guesses the incorrect answer, it is clear to the instructor that the class needs a review of that information. Technology is really changing (and improving) the face of education. I can't wait to see what's next!
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1 comment:
Jennifer,
I'm pleased that you are researching this technology. Bloomsburg University has adapted a similar technology and students are now asked to purchase a click device that they can use in all their classes. I think (but don't quote me!) that the device is coded with their ID information, so in each class their responses are automatically recorded. Professors are now looking at ways to integrate questions and polls into their class presentations. It certainly is an interesting technology and we are just beginning to see the potential.
Dr. N
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