In-class polling or student response systems (SRS) affords faculty with the opportunity to actively engage students during a learning experience by posing questions to the class and asking that the students discuss the answers; apply ideas, skills, and problem-solving in class; predict outcomes; or draw connections between concepts or ideas. In-class polling also provides faculty with feedback on student learning and possible misconceptions.
Kahoot!*
Kahoot is a game based polling tool. It allows presenters to develop and control the presentation of polling questions. Students can earn points for each poll completed either as individuals or as teams. Kahoot has a 4000 player limit and allows for unlimited questions per Kahoot, though 10 – 20 is the most manageable.
Device Agnostic
Mentimeter
Mentimeter is a cloud-based tool that lets you engage and interact with your audience in real-time. You set the questions and your audience can give their input via a mobile phone or any other Internet connected device. (Per the Mentimeter website)
The free account allows unlimited responses to a limit of two poll questions.
Device Agnostic
NearPod*
Nearpod is an application that allows instructors to embed polling and activities within a presentation. Then using the iPad in class, the instructor can present the lecture while the students use their iPad or computer to engage with the materials, respond to polls, and participate in activities.
The free option allows the user to create 10 presentations with up to 30 participants each.
Device Agnostic (participation)
PickMe
Pick Me! is a simple app that allows instructors to randomly select students.
- Download App ($1.99)
PollEverywhere*
Polleverywhere.com is a browser-based application that allows for votes and feedback to be solicited from individuals via text messaging and/or Twitter. Results are displayed on the web or within a presentation (PowerPoint slide) in real time.
The free account allows an unlimited number of polls, and up to 40 votes per poll. Just right for use with small groups.
Geisel School of Medicine has an institutional license for PollEverywhere. Please contact Geisel Instructional Technology for more information.
Device Agnostic (participation)
SmarTest
The SmarTEST Apps are designed for instructors to easily create and conduct interactive group quizzes and activities in the TBL classroom.
- Download App (Free)
SMSPoll
SMS Polls are created online and students respond by sending an SMS text message to a local phone number. The results are updated in real-time, in your PowerPoint presentation or on the SMS Poll website.
The free account allows for unlimited polls, 15 votes per poll and a limit of 300 total votes per month. This would equate to approximately 20 polls assuming 15 responses per poll. A bit limiting, but still possible with small groups.
Device Agnostic (participation)
TurningPoint
TurningPoint is a student response system developed by Turning Technologies, Inc. The system consists of the software, a receiver, and a clicker which allow faculty to provide students with opportunities to engage more actively and openly within a course.
References
The following are a list of references about the use of polling/student response systems in teaching and learning.
- Low Tech Alternatives to Clickers – Simple ways to engage students in clicker type questions without the technology.
- Classroom Response Sytem (“Clickers”) Bibliography -One of the best and most comprehensive resources designed by Derek Bruff, Assistant Director, Vanderbuilt Center for Teaching.
- Ideas for Teaching with Clickers – This resource, created by Ohio State University, provides a variety of resources for and examples of how clickers can be integrated into the classroom experience.
- Discipline Specific Articles – A collection of articles gathered by UNLV on the use of clickers within higher education.
- Clicker Resource Guide – This document, created by staff of the CU Science Education Initiative and the UBC Carl Wienman SEI, provides a great introduction to the effective use of clickers in teaching in approximately 30 pages.
- Google “ConcepTests” for question examples, particularly for Math and Science
- Clickers in the Classroom: Transforming Students into Active Learners – ECAR Bulletin 9,2001 (Requires login)
*Tools that appear with an asterisk on the pages are commonly used at the Geisel School of Medicine.