After a yearlong pilot-test, NDSU has selected the Turning Technologies’ student response system, ResponseCard NXT, as the standardized device available for use in classrooms this fall. The new system will replace the personal response system used previously.
The new device features text entry for short answer and essay questions, advanced numeric entry and individual poll assessments. This technology also can be used from a variety of applications including PowerPoint, Word, Excel, PDFs or Web browsers.
“This technology is important in supporting teaching and learning at NDSU; faculty can use this technology to effectively teach and engage students,” says Luke Prather, instructional services consultant for the Information Technology Division.
Prather and other Information Technology Services staff collaborated with participating faculty to re-evaluate the old personal response system after performance issues and pilot-test a different system that would serve as a better teaching tool.
Angela Hodgson, who pilot-tested the new system for her introduction to biology classes, which hold up to 400 students per class, says, “This technology is great for assessing student learning, especially in larger classes. It’s essential to keep these large classes active and get feedback, and these clickers allow that.”
Adnan Akyüz, assistant professor of soil science, who also pilot-tested the system for his introduction to meteorology and climatology class, which holds about 275 students, agrees. “The new system is a lifesaver for taking attendance in large classrooms,” he said. “It has proved to be highly reliable, I’ve had no student complaints and it has many more capabilities than the old PRS system.”
The cost of the clickers is $50 for a new device and around $37.50 for a used one at the NDSU Bookstore.
For more information about student response technology, contact Luke Prather at luke.prather@ndsu.edu.
NDSU is recognized as one of the nation's top 108 public and private universities by the Carnegie Commission on Higher Education.