Interactive Technology in Training - White Papers

These educational papers provide in-depth studies of interactive audience response systems in a training and adult learning environment.

Classroom Response & Communication Systems: Research Review & Theory - Jeremy Roschelle, William R. Peneul, and Louis Abrahamson, SRI International and Better Education, Inc.
Researchers report that instructors use the novel technological capabilities to enhance questioning and feedback, to motivate and monitor the participation of all students, to foster discussions of important concepts, and to energize and activate students' thinking. Bransford and colleagues cite this technology and the related pedagogy as one of the most promising for transforming classrooms to be more learner, knowledge, assessment and community centered.

Electronically Enhanced Classroom Interaction - by Steve Draper, Department of Psychology, University of Glasgow, as part of the Interactive Lectures website
A design rationale for introducing electronic equipment for student interaction in lecture theatres is presented, linking the instructional design to theory. The effectiveness of the equipment for learning depends mostly on what pedagogic method is employed: various alternative types are introduced. Prospective studies are outlined for exploring its use over new ranges of application.

Who wants to be ... The Use of a Personal Response System in Statistics Teaching - Dr. Ernst Wit, University of Glasgow
A case study about the effects of Student Response System devices on student learning and their implementation in a statistics service course to first year psychology students. Elaborates on the variety of questions possible using a multiple-choice format. Provides data on student participation and increased understanding of course materials; 74% of students thought that the use of handsets has been useful to very useful in aiding their understanding of statistics.

Physics Laureate Hopes to Help Students Over the Science Blahs - The New York Times, November 1, 2005 By Claudia Dreifus
The Nobel laureate Carl E.Wieman uses Student Response Sytems to engage students. Dr.Wieman has led reform of the way undergraduate physics is taught at universities.

Using Wireless Keypads in Lecture Classes
Burnstein and Lederman discuss how interactive keypad systems affect learning dynamics and make the instructor's job easier. This paper is courtesy of the American Association of Physics Teachers (www.AAPT.org/tpt).

Interactivity in a Classroom Environment
This paper describes the research and development activities which preceded the installation of the new Advanced Technology Classrooms at the IBM Corporate Management Development Center.

Evidence of Success
An article by Richard Hake discussing the difference between traditional physics classes and what he calls "interactive engagement" classes.

Combat Cynicism with Interactive Education
This paper discusses how Texas A&M University uses Option Technologies Interactive systems to modify students' perceptions of social norms regarding the consumption of alcoholic beverages.