Technology keeps lecturers in touch with student learning

November 27, 2007

Computer touch pads are the latest additions to lectures at the University of New England.

First-year UNE chemistry students have trialled Personal Response Systems (PRS) that track their level of understanding and allow them to answer questions without even putting up their hands.

"It can be a task to get first-year students to respond to questions," said Dr Peter Lye, a Lecturer in Chemistry at UNE. "As soon as you ask, everyone's eyes drop. This way is anonymous. It means they don't have to feel that if they are wrong they'll make a fool of themselves."

The credit-card-sized keypads (pictured here), which are connected to the lecturer's computer, are handed out to students and are then used to answer questions. The students' responses are immediately analysed and graphically shown on a screen at the front of the lecture theatre.

"This allows instant feedback on how students have answered," Dr Lye said. "It also helps the lecturer know if the class has understood key concepts or whether the content needs to be changed." (In the recent Federal election PRS were used to create "the Worm", which tracked voters' reactions. The systems are also used on the popular television game show Who Wants to Be a Millionaire.)

Surveyed students said the PRS made lectures more enjoyable and interesting while giving them a good break from writing.

"It is important that the staff at UNE are supported in trialling and evaluating technologies in order to know how best to implement innovation," said Dr Belinda Tynan from UNE's Teaching and Learning Centre.

Dr Lye and the Teaching and Learning Centre have been evaluating the systems for their project "Edutainment: or Enhancing Student Outcomes?" Dr Lye is now applying for funding to buy touch pads to use for the next five to ten years.

Posted by Jim Scanlan at November 27, 2007 03:49 PM