Laura from Bryant demonstrated PollEverywhere, an audience response system that uses cell phone text messaging (rather than clickers) to poll audiences. Options include multiple choice and free text responses. Polls and poll results can be integrated into Powerpoint.
One attendee noted that clickers only allow multiple choice types of questions whereas this offers free text responses.
There was some discussion of whether students are using Twitter. Anecdotally, it appears that undergraduates are not using Twitter extensively, but that some older students are.
Discussion returned to PollEverywhere – is there a limit on the number of polls? In the free version, which allows up to 32 responses, Laura has not run up against a cap, yet, and she’s been using it since October.
Jason from Salem State College demonstrated a number of alternatives to PowerPoint. First was Prezi, which has a free educator’s version. There is a 500 mb limit to this account type, and Jason noted that it’s very easy to use. He also found that students really liked it, and wanted to know how to use it. Some noted that it was similar to mindmapping software, such as Mindomo. Finally, Jason also showed how he’s embedded a Prezi presentation into LibGuides.
He next demonstrated VoiceThread, which has been used for storytelling, but can be used to get groups to comment on images, etc. There is a free basic account. Links are provided to embed projects into web pages, LibGuides, etc.
Jason briefly discussed CoolIris, and Empressr as sharing tools.
Q: Can you download these to take elsewhere?
A: With Prezi, yes, but with Empressr you need to be logged in.
Q: Do you see these as an alternative to Captivate?
A: Maybe with Prezi, not so much with VoiceThread. Perhaps Jing is a better alternative.
I briefly demonstrated the mind mapping tool bubbl.us and the chart making site chartle.net (great for making Venn diagrams).
Cathy from Salem State College briefly showed how they’re using LibGuides, and highlighted the ease of use and the variety of statistics available.
Amanda Izenstark
Reference & Instructional Design Librarian
University of Rhode Island