iPod Touch: iResponse
Next in the series of posts on the iPod Touch in the classroom is a look at the application iResponse.
iResponse is a great classroom response app. Several teachers here at DCHS have used iResponse and all have been excited with its ease of use and the quick feedback they are able to get from their students.
iResponse can function if two modes. The default mode is one in which a teacher publishes questions to students one at a time. Each student submits their response and a graph can be presented to the class. This is the mode that we have had the most success with. It allows the teacher to quickly gauge students understanding of the material or to engage the students in discussion based on the class responses. Several teachers have used this in preparation for quizzes or tests and have seen improved results on the assessments.
iResponse also has a testing mode. In this mode a bank of questions prepared by the teacher are sent to each iPod Touch connected to that teacher’s session. Students are then able to complete the questions at their own pace and submit the test to the teacher when complete. When the students submit their test they are able to see how they did and what the class average is. We have had trouble in this mode each time we have used it. We end up with a few students who’s tests are not submitted back to the teacher. We have decided not to use the test mode until the app is updated.
The iResponse server can be installed on Windows or Apple computers. It is a fairly simple tool for teachers to learn. The biggest issue is that it opens four different windows on startup and clutters your desktop. It can take a little time to figure out what each window is used for and to get them organized.
Overall iResponse is a great app. It is easy to learn for both the teacher and students. It provides quick and valuable feedback in the classroom that improves students understanding of the material.