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Interactive Keypads in the Classroom:
A Comparison of Student-Response Systems
[WORKING DRAFT]
Roger C. Lowery, Ph.D.
Professor and Assistant Department Chair
Department of Political Science
University of North Carolina at Wilmington
Wilmington, NC 28403-5607
20 January 2006
Abstract: This paper is addressed to the college or university faculty member contemplating
adoption of an evolving form of classroom technology – the interactive student-response system
(SRS). Marketed under a variety of brand names, this student-polling technology is designed to
maximize student participation, especially in large-enrollment lectures. This paper looks at the
components and operation of the two most common types of student-response systems, wireless
keypad and Web-based input devices. Also provided is a brief survey of four decades of published
research assessing the generally positive impact of student-response systems on teaching and
learning.
Prepared for presentation at the APSA Conference on Teaching & Learning
18-20 February 2006, Washington, D.C.
Disclaimer: the author is not affiliated with and has no financial interest in
any SRS manufacturer or distributor.