SRS Guidelines   4/12/05 version 1.0

Getting Started Checklist for Using the Student Response System

The TurningPoint Student Response System (SRS) is a software/hardware system that works with PowerPoint on a Windows PC only.  SRS allows instructors to poll/survey the class, based upon a question in a PowerPoint slide.  Students respond by using an assigned keypad, which sends a signal to a receiver.   Responses automatically tally and results display within 15 seconds as a chart with numbers indicating the responses for each answer.  The results can be automatically stored in an Excel file either by student name or by keypad number. 

SRS only works when a TurningPoint authoring version of PowerPoint is used to create the ppt file and TurningPoint presentation software is installed on a computer used in a classroom that has the keypads and electronic signal receivers.   Currently, only Irvine 194 and Irvine 199 are configured for this, but a portable system can be scheduled for remote locations upon request.

Help is available from, Faculty Development, Tech Shop, and Instructional Development.

• Have the TurningPoint authoring software installed on your computer (Allen Reed 3-2169).

• Schedule a one-on-one faculty development session to learn the software basics (Steve Davis 3-2190).

 “Introduction to TurningPoint”training manual: http://www.rhsmith.umd.edu/dit/technology/tp/tutorial_tp.pdf

• Schedule an anticipated SRS use time (Mark Loudin 3-2305).

• Author your SRS PowerPoint presentation.

• Confirm the question/response display on your computer using “Simulated” mode.

• Test-run your authored PPT with Mark before your presentation.

• Make a copy of the PPT and keep it on a separate disc.  Leave one copy with Mark.

• Prepare a fall-back plan-- paper quiz or raise of hands.

• Alert students that the SRS system will be used during your presentation.

• Collect S & I scores (excel file) from Mark after the presentation as needed.

• Comment to Mark about SRS use as needed.

“Best Practices” Regarding the SRS.

Tips for the Faculty When Authoring SRS Questions

• SRS only works with PowerPoint that has the TurningPoint software added to it.

• Upon opening your PowerPoint file, if you get a message titled “Run Hardware Wizard”, click “No.”

• Open PowerPoint to full screen to show all of the tools.

• Create question slides using the lower set of tools “Reset………………..Participants.”

• Question slide recommendations:  single question, fewer than nine distracters, a countdown timer, a fixed response table, and a vertical results chart. 

• Keep slide simple, avoid using movies, animations, extra text and/or images and slide transitions.

• Ensure room to display the results.

• Limit the number of question slides.  SRS does consume lecture time.

• Use the fixed table rather than the rotating table--students are less likely to panic when they can consistently see their keypad number for confirmation rather than one that disappears because the table is rotating.

• You can add question slides to an existing PowerPoint lecture.

• Test question by selecting “Simulated” under the “Keypads” menu and run the ppt file. 

• Reset the data before the next use of the file by clicking “Reset.”

Tips for the Faculty When Presenting SRS Questions

• Test the PowerPoint file with Mark prior to the scheduled presentation.  Be sure to reset afterwards.

• If doing an S & I with recorded scores, check with Mark and confirm the student list.

• Remind the students shortly before the first question, that the SRS system will be used.

• Reading the question out loud helps the students respond faster.

• Avoid clicking through the question slides too quickly.  There is a slight delay when a question slide displays.  Wait for the question, the answer, and the table to display.  The next time you click the mouse or press the right arrow key, the timer will begin.  If you don’t use a timer, the slide will not change.  There is also a slight delay while the chart computations are being made before the chart results appear.  Pace yourself.

• Have a fallback plan of raising hands or a pen and paper quiz ready.

Tips for Students

• Pick up and sign out a transmitter from Mark, table near door, before finding your seat.

• Turn it on just before using it-- see green light for on.  Note the assigned number on the back.

• Wait for the instruction to choose an answer to the question.  (There may be a timer displayed)

• Point directly at one of the three red light receivers located near the exit signs and in the middle of the blackboard.  Hold the keypad horizontally, not sideways.

• Avoid any obstructions between the transmitter and receiver such as other students.

• Press the answer button once on the keypad.  Each time you press it, it sends out three pulses.

Wait a second or so after you press your response and see if your number is displayed in the table at the bottom of the PowerPoint slide and that the number turns a color.  That confirms receipt of your answer.  Please be patient if the table rotates, it will come back to your number.  If you don’t see confirmation, press once again.  Do not repeatedly press the keypad button as it may cancel out your signal/answer.

·         Because the keypads turn off automatically after 10 minutes, check to see if the green light is on before answering the next question.

• Turn in keypads to the table before you leave the auditorium.

Keypad Distribution and Management Plan

For a Scheduled Regular Session Using the SRS

All keypads are numbered and placed on a table with the student photo sheets showing an assigned keypad number for each student.  The student picks up the keypad and takes it to his/her seat.

The students return the keypads to the table as they leave.

For a Scheduled S & I Session Using the SRS

Mark places student name table tents along with keypad number and corresponding keypads at each seat in the lecture hall.   A class list is kept up to date in an excel file for a participants list.  At the end of an S & I Mark gives a copy of the S & I scores file to the panel moderator.  Mark also sends a copy to Cheri Tarantelli in evaluation.  The scores file and the S & I PowerPoint on the Irvine computer are deleted.   The students are asked to return the keypads and table tents to the table near the exit as they leave.

For a Scheduled Remote Session Using the SRS

Faculty member picks up the carrying case with equipment from Mark Loudin, 194 Irvine.  Carrying case includes 25 keypads, one receiver, cables, printed instructions, extra disc, etc..  This assumes that the presentation software has already been installed on a portable computer to be used at the remote location.  (Allen Reed 3-2169)

Management During Non-use Times

Secure the keypads in Irvine 194.

Check for dead batteries and malfunctions routinely

Submit a best practices and trouble report routinely

TurningPoint Software Update Plan

As the new updates of the TurningPoint authoring and presentation software are made available,

the Tech Shop will notify all of the faculty and help them install the updates to their machines as needed.

The Tech shop will maintain a list of presentation machines and keypads as per our license agreement.

The Tech shop will be the first contact for maintenance and licensing issues.