Instructor Perceptions of Using a Mobile Phone-Based, Free Classroom Response System in First-Year Statistics Undergraduate Courses: Implications for Teaching Practice

Peter K Dunn; A Richardson; C McDonald; Florin I Oprescu; Helen Fairweather

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Instructor Perceptions of Using a Mobile Phone-Based, Free Classroom Response System in First-Year Statistics Undergraduate Courses: Implications for Teaching Practice

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Instructor Perceptions of Using a Mobile Phone-Based, Free Classroom Response System in First-Year Statistics Undergraduate Courses: Implications for Teaching Practice

Peter K Dunn, A Richardson, C McDonald, Florin I Oprescu and Helen Fairweather

Proceedings of the 8th Southern Hemisphere Conference on Teaching and Learning Undergraduate Mathematics and Statistics, pp.69-77

Southern Hemisphere Conference on Teaching and Learning Undergraduate Mathematics and Statistics: Volcanic Delta, 8th (Rotorua, New Zealand, 27-Nov-2011–02-Dec-2011)

University of Canterbury

2011

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http://www.math.canterbury.ac.nz/~j.hannah/Delta11/VolcanicDelta2011Proceedings.pdfView

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Abstract

Education Systems

statistics

undergraduate

clickers

classroom response systems

VotApedia

CRS

Teaching/Learning

Student engagement at first-year level is critical for student achievement, retention and success. Research indicates that the use of Classroom Response Systems (CRS) is associated with positive educational outcomes by fostering student engagement and by allowing immediate feedback. Traditional CRS rely on special and often costly hardware (clickers). Often, special software and IT support is required as well, thus increasing the costs of implementation and use. In this study we explored, from an instructor perspective, the use of a low-cost CRS (VotApedia), which enabled first-year students to become anonymously engaged in a large-class environment by using their mobile phones to vote on multiple-choice questions posed by the instructor. The project was implemented at three Australian universities in first year undergraduate statistics classes. Using an action research methodology, instructors involved in the study collected qualitative data related to setup of the system, in-class delivery and instructor perceptions of student engagement. This paper presents the results of the study including the advantages/disadvantages of using VotApedia, practicalities for consideration by potential adopters and recommendations for the future from an instructor perspective.

Details

Title: Instructor Perceptions of Using a Mobile Phone-Based, Free Classroom Response System in First-Year Statistics Undergraduate Courses: Implications for Teaching Practice
Authors: Peter K Dunn (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and Education
A Richardson (Author) - University of Canberra
C McDonald (Author) - University of Southern Queensland
Florin I Oprescu (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast
Helen Fairweather (Author) - University of the Sunshine Coast - Faculty of Science, Health and Education
Contributors: J Hannaha (Editor)
M Thomas (Editor)
Publication details: Proceedings of the 8th Southern Hemisphere Conference on Teaching and Learning Undergraduate Mathematics and Statistics, pp.69-77
Conference details: Southern Hemisphere Conference on Teaching and Learning Undergraduate Mathematics and Statistics: Volcanic Delta, 8th (Rotorua, New Zealand, 27-Nov-2011–02-Dec-2011)
Publisher: University of Canterbury
Date published: 2011
Organisation Unit: School of Science and Engineering - Legacy; University of the Sunshine Coast, Queensland; School of Health and Sport Sciences - Legacy; School of Science, Technology and Engineering; Engage Research Lab; School of Health and Behavioural Sciences - Legacy; Sustainability Research Cluster; School of Health - Public Health
Language: English
Record Identifier: 99449534902621
Output Type: Conference paper

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