Science Teacher Peter Geschke is trying to make his class lectures and discussions a more enjoyable and engaging experience using the new Turning Technologies Response Card and its corresponding software, a set of small palm-sized remotes with a USB radio receiver that enables the teacher to design questions and surveys on their computer.  

The Response Card and its software not only lets teachers create questions electronically but also records the students’ responses, which are entered into the remotes through the USB radio receiver, and instantly displays what percentage of students choose each answer.   It also uses a tracking device that lets the instructor know which students have not entered anything at all. 

Despite the current budget cuts, Geschke managed to secure this new technology for his classes through a grant from Lam Research and generous student donations.   Although he received the Response Cards just three weeks ago and has yet to truly explore other opportunities the program has to offer, he feels that so far it seems to be a valuable tool to assist teachers in finding out what concepts the class has trouble with, as well as what the students thought about a certain lecture or lab experiment.  Most importantly, it allows timid students to participate in class without feeling embarrassed or nervous.

Geschke said,  “Many times, there is a student who is reluctant to talk in class and usually doesn’t speak up. This system, especially with the response tracking feature, encourages them to voice their opinion.”

However, like any other electronic tool, these cards do have flaws.  Junior Jacqueline Chu said, “While it was more fun to use than just raising your hand or taking a quiz, it didn’t have room for flexibility. Everyone had to write all the questions beforehand, and only multiple-choice questions can be asked.”

Although this tool is currently limited to the Science Department, Geschke believes that it can be utilized in other subject areas as well and has offered to let other teachers see the equipment.  Overall, he thinks that this new technology has promising potential to make classrooms a livelier and more interesting place for both teachers and students.