Technology@Wooster

In response to the VPAA’s solicitation of IT equipment requests, the Psychology Department reqested two personal response systems. This request was approved and the department is now in possession of two systems acquired from Turning Technologies. Each system consists of 20 wireless response keypads (”clickers”) and a small receiver that connects to the instructor’s computer via a USB port. Each system also includes software that integrates its operations with Microsoft PowerPoint.

These systems can be used to conduct anonymous polls and to assess the students’ collective understanding of particular points. Special slides are created in PowerPoint to present questions and possible answers. Students’ responses are entered via the keypads and captured by the receiver. Responses can be automatically summarized for presentation via PowerPoint. Instructors can then tailor subsequent instruction and activities based upon the results. Responses can also be retrieved for later analysis. It is also possible to use the system to track and record the responses of individual students.

The personal response system is easy to use—instructors already familiar with PowerPoint can become comfortable with the system’s essential functionality in less than five minutes. If you would like more information on personal response systems or would like to see a demonstration of this technology please contact Jon Breitenbucher or Joe Benfield. You can also learn more about personal response systems by visiting the vendor’s website.