LectureTools

LectureTools (https://www.lecturetools.com) is a Web2.0 application that is an alternative to the use of clickers.  Instructors can create a wide range of questions for their students including multiple choice, reorder list, association, free response, and image-based.  Students can

1)    Type notes synchronized with the lecture slides;

2)    Pose questions and view answers;

3)    Draw on lecture slides;

4)    Respond to instructor questions;

5)    Listen to podcasts; and

6)    Print lecture slides and notes for off-line review.

While many instructors are uncomfortable with the increasing presence of laptops in class independent research has shown that LectureTools increases both attentiveness and engagement, even in large classes.  One need only stand in the back of a large lecture hall to be convinced that laptops are being used for purposes unrelated to class.  However, research over the past four years at the University of Michigan (Samson, 2010) has found that when laptops are actively used as a mechanism to measure student understanding, solicit student inquiry and facilitate increased communication between students and instructors, dramatic increases in student engagement occur.

Many instructors are uncomfortable with the increasing presence of laptops in class.  One need only stand in the back of a large lecture hall to be convinced that laptops are being used for purposes unrelated to class.  However, research over the past four years at the University of Michigan has found that when laptops are actively used as a mechanism to measure student understanding, solicit student inquiry and facilitate increased communication between students and instructors, dramatic increases in student engagement occur.

LectureTools has been integrated with Sakai at the University of Michigan using Basic Learning Technologies Interoperability (BLTI).  LectureTools has registered over 400 new instructors at the University of Michigan over the past twelve months plus over 800 new instructors at other institutions.  More than 9,000 students at the University of Michigan have registered accounts over the past twelve months illustrating both its value to the classroom an the ease of the registration process via BLTI.

Screenshots/Files/Links (Optional)

Screenshots (or Other Supporting Materials): 

Student view of LectureTools.

Caption to figure

Related Links: 

LectureTools