Enhancing classroom interaction: the integration of image-sharing projection software in social science and humanities classrooms

Abstract

ABSTRACT Fostering student-student and student–faculty interactions involves not only pedagogical design but also classroom technology. Image-sharing projection software, which allows multiple students to simultaneously share images from their electronic devices to the classroom's screens, offers a new form of communication in medium to large-size social science and humanities classes. While there is a body of literature that analyzes the effectiveness and best practices of clickers and image-sharing software in STEM classes, few studies have evaluated the potential of image-sharing projection software and its impact on student engagement in social science and humanities undergraduate courses. Based on a case study of a general education introductory social science course, this paper demonstrates how giving undergraduate students the ability to share visual depictions of their ideas increased engagement among those students who report not feeling comfortable interacting in medium to large-size class discussions. Overall, this case study illustrates the potential of image-sharing projection software to simultaneously address several known challenges to collaborative learning and to increase the types of students who participate in “the doing” of active-learning pedagogy, especially the idea-sharing component.