November 3, 2010

Using LectureTools - A Web-based Student Response and Learning Management System

Instructor’s View Student’s View

Peng LiDepartment of Technology Systems

http://www.lecturetools.org

LectureTools is a web-based student response

system developed by Professor Perry Samson at

University of Michigan. It was originally designed

as an alternative to the clicker-based audience

response system. LectureTools allows students

to respond to questions in the classroom, take

notes synchronized to lecture slides, and send

questions to the instructor anonymously during

and after the class. More features on learning

management have been gradually added.

LectureTools was used successfully in teaching

three ICTN courses at ECU in spring and fall

2010. The goal is to leverage the Internet-

enabled devices owned by students to improve

classroom interaction and enhance student

learning. The student feedback has been

generally positive.

“LectureTools is built on the hypothesis that students learn better when they have opportunities to 1) assess their understanding as material is being presented; 2) pose questions and get feedback during lecture, and 3) reflect on their learning outside of class.”

(From LectureTools.org)

Besides presenting slides, the instructor can conduct activities, show activity responses, check attendance, moderate questions and perform assessments using LectureTools.

Student responses for a multiple choice exercise

Students can view the slides, type notes synchronized with the lecture slides and draw on the slides.

Students can respond to instructor’s questions, send questions to the instructor anonymously and view answers. Students can print lecture slides and their own notes for off-line view.

0% 5% 10% 15% 20% 25% 30% 35% 40%

Strongly Agree

Agree

Neutral

Disagree

Strongly Disagree

LectureTools was helpful in learning. (Student Survey - Spring 2010)

To use LectureTools, students must have Internet access in the classroom. The college requires every student to have a laptop for coursework.