Technology & Learning - September 2008 - (Page 41)

Survey Says Student response systems get smarter By Jeffrey Branzberg You’ve heard the buzz: student response systems are one of the fastest growing technologies to secure popular classroom demand. Thanks to their ability to capture solid formative assessment data, SRSs are the hottest ticket since the doc cam boom. New SRS models come with features that expand their capabilities far beyond simple yes/no questions and instant feedback. Check out the latest products on the market below. Check the Specs PRODUCTS This RF system from Renaissance Learning includes large responder screens that display both questions and answers, and the ability to create “on-the-fly” quizzes, as well as to generate formal assessments using either your content, or over 8,000 ready-to-use items for math, reading, language arts, science, and social studies. Kay Mills, a math teacher in Ft. Worth, TX, likes the variety of response types (numeric, true/false, multiple choice) and features such as the calculator, and its ability to store homework; she would like to see report options or more ways to modify the reports. (2Know! Classroom Response System Package for 24 units, $2,199; 32 units, $2,831) RECEIVERS A student response system needs a receiver connected to a computer. The two basic types of receivers are Radio Frequency (RF) and Infrared (IR). The IR receivers are similar to television remote controls; a clear line of sight between the clicker and the receiver is needed for the IR signal. RF systems, however, do not need line of sight, and so are better suited for a large room. CLICKERS Each student uses a “personal response unit”—a remote control clickthe receiver. Different systems use clickers of differing complexity. er‚ to transmit his or her responses to SOFTWARE Each system includes software, usually installed on the controlling computer. This software manages the stream of incoming data from the clickers. Software features can include immediate graphing of responses, spreadsheets consisting of response data, integration with presentation software such as PowerPoint or Keynote for instantaneous display of results in table or graph formats, as well as integration with classroom management systems such as BlackBoard or Moodle. Their “Classroom Performance System” is available in either RF or IR versions; it generates detailed reports about how each student performs in class and contains an integrated gradebook; CPS users also have access to thousands of teacher-created lessons with graphics, display options, and other features to enhance instruction. Norma Scherer, Technology Staff Developer in Lynbrook, NY, likes the way individualized study sheets can be printed from the lesson—a real bonus, allowing the student to review missed questions and to see the correct answers while fresh in their minds. (16-pad system for $1,975; 24 for $2,965; 32 for $3,955) www.einstruction.com TECH & LEARNING | EINSTRUCTION 41 2KNOW http://www.einstruction.com

Table of Contents Feed for the Digital Edition of Technology & Learning - September 2008

Technology & Learning 9/08 Contents Editor’s Desk News & Trends Put to the Test Lessons on Leadership What, You Worry? Back Office Business How to Get your MEd Online What’s New Student Response Systems Get Smarter Leader of the Year Profile: She’s Got Game

Technology & Learning - September 2008

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