Wednesday, August 29, 2012

Classroom Response System - Home - Top Hat Monocle

Yesterday, a few professors and I participated in an online demonstration of the Top Hat Monocle classroom response systems. I was impressed.  Currently we are using the i>clicker systems here at MRU and we are quite happy with it, but the Top Hat "clickers" offer some very interesting advantages. If you are shopping around, you may want to consider them.



Advantages:

  • Completely Web based so there is no hardware to acquire, misplace, break or upgrade.
  • Supports WiFi, cellular data and SMS texting connections. 
  • Runs on all connectible devices, so students use their own device.
  • Supports a wide variety of polling/quiz questions, beyond multiple choice. 
  • Supports graphics, animations and visual responses.
  • The only fees are for the students and those costs are competitive.
  • Polls can be taken before and after class times. 
  • Canadian innovation.
Disadvantages:
  • Relies on solid networking connections in the classroom.
  • Students would have to have a device.
  • Complex set up for the more complex question types.

Go to Classroom Response System - Home - Top Hat Monocle for more details.

Post a comment if you are using these and let us know how it is going.


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