This week I’ve
decided to post a question and give my viewpoint and personal experiences on
student response systems in the classroom.
First, for those who have never
seen or heard of a response system, it is an interactive remote answering device.
There are numerous different types and brands created and used in the
classroom. A well-known response system is called, iClicker.
Picture retrieved from: https://octet.oberlin.edu/classroom-response-system-iclicker-now-available-through-blackboard/
Question:
Do student response systems provide greater positive or negative effects?
I would
have to say I am neutral on this topic. I have had both negative and positive experiences
with the use of student response systems. There are several benefits that the
response systems provide for the classroom teacher. For instance, the immediate
feedback when students respond allows for the teacher to intervene with
specific instruction or students. The response system can be used to complete a
one question exit slip, or a formative assessment with multiple questions. Another
great advantage is the decrease of paper usage. Teachers can depend on the
response system to complete quick quizzes and answer questions during a whole
group lesson without having to print and make daily copies. During my first
experience using the student response system, it provided a sense of privacy
for the students. The system automatically assigns the students numbers based
on their device number, therefore when they respond students are not able to
see who answered what.
On the
other hand, I had some negative experiences using responses systems. One major
downfall I experienced was the battery and connection issues. While using the
devices, the connection of several students would begin to fail. This caused
the process to take much longer then intended to, therefore a quick response
turned into trouble shooting. The
battery also caused issues many times. Students would complain that their
device “died”. It was very important to charge all devices properly before using.
Although, it may seem like this shouldn’t be a problem, but with all the other
devices, materials and work to organize in a day the student response systems
were not on the priority list and tended to be forgotten.
Overall,
I’ve had both positive and negative experiences with the use of student
response systems. In the school, I am at now, we do not have the technological
response systems, but I have incorporated a similar trend called Plickers. This
is a similar tool used with a paper copy QR code indicating multiple choice
answers. The students hold up the individual square sign with their correct
answer facing up. All the teacher needs to do is scan the codes using their
ipad/cell phone. Throughout this approach, I haven’t experienced the same
effects. However, the major problem has been the time and issues caused when
scanning the codes. Sometimes students are blocking the code with their hands,
or the scanner isn’t taking up the student answer quickly.
Retrieved from: http://www.whiteboardblog.co.uk/2015/06/plickers-whole-class-assessment-with-a-single-device/
Although,
I believe student response systems have helped to provide a new way to access
quick responses and feedback, it still is a work in progress. What do you
think? If you haven’t use it, would you consider?
