Network response analyzer system for interactive lectures in classroom or distance learning

Abstract

Knowing learner's property, consciousness, level of understanding in classroom is important to do fruitful and apprehensive lectures. However, in large classes or distance learning situations, face-to-face interactions between a teacher and students are limited. To catch students' learning status, we implemented a network based response analyzer system which collects students' responses in real time during distance learning or lectures in a large classroom. Each student uses a personal computer on his/her desktop and the questions from the teacher are sent and displayed on his/her screen. The student answers the questions by pushing an answer button such as Yes or No by clicking a mouse button. In addition, our response analyzer system stores teacher's questions and students' answers individually in a database. Thus, we can see relations between multiple questions and answers in history. Cross tabulation analyses are useful for teachers to know students' comprehension. We tested the system during classes in our university and discussed effective uses of the response analyzer system.