Education: Introvert Personalities Go Mobile & Online
Half of all students are introverts
Which might explain a number of the voices missing in class discussions. But there are also the students who don't understand, who are afraid to risk embarrassment by voicing a new thought, or who don't want to broadcast to their peers that they're struggling.
Now that over 86% of college students carry a mobile device, every classroom has the tools to empower students to speak without fear, no matter why they're keeping quiet. Here's how educators are making the transition to tech-enabled discussions.
Tell them to get out their phones
Smart phones, tablets, laptops, anything works, as long as it can send SMS text messages, or access the Internet via WiFi or a data plan. If a small number of students do not have access to a phone or tablet, pair them with students who do have one. They can take turns submitting comments, questions, and answers to in-class quizzes and discussions.
Note: Not all devices are created equal. The recent ECAR study demonstrates that students strongly prefer mobile phones for class activities. This is welcome news to instructors who regularly deal with the "cone of distraction" caused by laptop screens. Also, allowing responses via SMS text messaging helps students avoid issues like slow Internet connection speeds.
Display a web-based poll question
Many instructors like to open the session with a question about the material from the day before. Then they might scatter two or three more into the class period, to gauge understanding, collect anonymous questions, or give a quick quiz.
Let responses guide the flow of instruction
It makes a big difference when everyone feels safe and comfortable responding to questions in class. But the second best benefit of incorporating technology is that you have so much new data at your fingertips. You can find out instantly who understands, who needs more time and instruction, when to review, what to review, and when to move on.
Some educators even use poll responses to choose which rabbit trails to pursue once the day's material has been covered. You can get creative and make your polls your own, then decide how best to apply the results to your courses.
Use a multiple choice poll that instantly checks for understanding: "Which of the following was not a factor in the decision to join WW2?"
Use an open-ended poll to host an anonymous class discussion: "Why do you think bullying goes unreported on our campus?"
Use a clickable image poll to let students quickly map their thoughts on a coordinate axes graph, number line, painting, or flowchart.
Use a ranking poll to let students arrange a set of options in the correct (or preferred) order, for example, "Rank the causes of air pollution from greatest to smallest."
Display a web-based poll question
Many instructors like to open the session with a question about the material from the day before. Then they might scatter two or three more into the class period, to gauge understanding, collect anonymous questions, or give a quick quiz.
Let responses guide the flow of instruction
It makes a big difference when everyone feels safe and comfortable responding to questions in class. But the second best benefit of incorporating technology is that you have so much new data at your fingertips. You can find out instantly who understands, who needs more time and instruction, when to review, what to review, and when to move on.
Some educators even use poll responses to choose which rabbit trails to pursue once the day's material has been covered. You can get creative and make your polls your own, then decide how best to apply the results to your courses.
Use a multiple-choice poll that instantly checks for understanding: "Which of the following was not a factor in the decision to join WW2?"
Use an open-ended poll to host an anonymous class discussion: "Why do you think bullying goes unreported on our campus?"
Use a clickable image poll to let students quickly map their thoughts on a coordinate axes graph, number line, painting, or flowchart.
Use a ranking poll to let students arrange a set of options in the correct (or preferred) order, for example, "Rank the causes of air pollution from greatest to smallest."
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