Does a show of hands intimidate your audience?
Do you need to review a large number of questions to prepare your class for finals or credentialing exams?
Do you think your class enrollment is too big to be interactive?
An audience response system allows your students to participate in lectures by submitting responses to interactive questions using a keypad or other hand-held computer device. Academic & Instructional Support & Resources (AISR) is pleased to announce the new audience response system - TurningPoint, from Turning Technologies.
The TurningPoint ARS can be used for groups of up to 50 students and it is currently available as a checkout item from the Learning Resources Center in the Edison Building. This technology is a great way for instructors to keep students motivated during lecture and to gauge student's level of understanding.
TurningPoint Features
Software:
The TurningPoint ARS was selected because the product is so easy to use--it integrates 100% into Microsoft PowerPoint®. The TurningPoint software is available to all Jefferson Faculty and AISR staff will install a copy to your desktop computer allowing you to create interactive PowerPoint® sessions for use in the classroom. If you wish to analyze and archive your students' responses, TurningPoint has a number of report and data export options.
Hardware:
Currently the LRC has a 50-unit bundle of ResponseCard® keypads. These are checked out by the instructor and the instructor is responsible for ensuring that all 50 ResponseCard® keypads and the USB Receiver are returned to the LRC after use.
Making the Most of TurningPoint
- Use an "Ice Breaker" question to introduce use of TurningPoint's ARS.
- Include an "Answer Now" prompt to differentiate between lecture slides and interactive polling slides.
- Use a "Correct Answer" indicator to visually identify the appropriate answer (and save time).
- Increase responsiveness by using a "Countdown Timer" which will close polling after a set amount of time.
- Not all questions have to have a right answer. Use TurningPoint to reveal opinions and insights.
- Include short bursts of 3-4 questions mixed in with other more traditional presentations and activities to keep your students and participants engaged.
- Change TurningPoint's default settings to match your presentation color scheme. Click on the Spectacles icon on the TurningPoint toolbar.
- Track changes in understanding or opinions by asking the same question at the beginning and end or your presentation. See side-by-side results using a "Comparison Slide."
For more information, contact Dr. Tony Frisby in AISR's Education Services group: Tony.Frisby@jefferson.edu or 215-503-4990
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