The reduction in cost of interactive kits to around 100 handsets for £5000 has meant that this technology is an affordable addition to the Lecture theatre. Here Reg Dennick explains how he sees their use growing.

Ask the students a question at the beginning of the lecture to test their initial level of understanding or knowledge. Lecture for say 20 minutes and then ask them the same question again to see what they have learnt. A quick and easy way in which the handsets and interactive voting system can give you, the Lecturer, instant feedback and important information that enables you to tailor what you do to meet students' needs and level.

The system works through individual handsets which the student uses to send an infra red signal to a central reader to lodge their vote. Each handset has a unique number and as the student votes their number is displayed showing the system has logged their entry. If there are large numbers of students this logging process can be a little slow. An alternative system using wireless technology avoids this difficulty. As lecture theatres are re-built and modernised the handsets can be built into the seats making their use even easier.

This sophisticated way of incorporating student views and input into the lecture means that lecturers have many opportunities to encourage active learning in their students.

Can you see how you could use this in your teaching?