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Authors: Jared Pyles, Matthew Miller, Angela Heider
Definition
Definition
Multimedia Response Systems are communication tools that allow for discussion and collaboration. Using these systems, students can connect with their fellow students, peers, educators, and others outside of the classroom. The systems mirror discussion boards, in which the communication begins with an initial prompt, followed by participants' responses. Some systems allow for threaded replies. They offer equity in communication and allow all students' voices to be heard. Some tools allow for video and audio, others just utilize audio.
Poll Everywhere
Poll Everywhere
Poll Everywhere allows visualization of feedback in real time with a variety of activities. It helps teachers measure engagement, follow up on feedback, and uncover next steps. Poll Everywhere activities can be used to take attendance, give quizzes, and gauge student understanding. The Poll Everywhere app can be downloaded for PowerPoint, Keynote, or Google Slides. It adds polls to your existing presentation decks in just a few clicks.
Pros: Well-designed polls allow students active involvement in discussion via any device.
Cons: Each poll must be reset individually. Many features teachers would find useful require a paid plan.
Price: Basic version is free. K-12 educator upgraded version is $50/month. Higher education instructor premium version is $349/semester. Customized prices for department or university-wide plans.
Mentimeter
Mentimeter
Mentimeter provides users an interactive presentation platform to build real-time, engaging presentations. Mentimeter can be used across different professions.
Pros: Engages students in a fun, entertaining way that provides instantaneous feedback.
Cons: There is a cost, which limits available features.
Price: Free plan for individuals trying wanting to try it out. Basic is $9.99/month. Pro is $24.99/month. There is a custom package that is available for enterprise. Educational pricing is as follows: Free version, Basic is $6.99/month, Pro is $14.99/month. Click HERE to access more pricing information for
Flipgrid
Flipgrid
With a motto "Empower Every Voice," Flipgrid is a 100% free online learning platform that can be used in all grade levels, including college. Educators create "Grids" (the online meeting place for their specific classroom or department) and students join the digital classroom with a specific "Flip Code." Teachers can create assignments, embed materials, link to Google apps, and more. Teachers ignite discussions by creating ice-breakers, reflections, give mini-presentations, etc. In response, students create short videos to share ideas, stories, and work.
Pros: It's free. Easy to use – students create videos and responses with their smart phones. Tutorials and training videos are provided. Blog page shares information, ideas, examples. Great way to build a sense of community with classmates/participants.
Cons: Students can get carried away with stickers and filters on their videos. Technical issues can arise if students only have access to older devices.
Price: FREE
Voicethread
Voicethread
Voicethread is an interactive collaboration and sharing tool. It provides students a platform to build presentations with images, documents, and videos. Viewers or readers can provide feedback in many different ways within those same presentations.
Pros: Versatility; provides students a multitude of ways to create presentations. Collaborative feedback in different forms.
Cons: Bandwidth issues when working in large groups. No longer free for educators.
Price: It’s free to create 3 web-based Voicethreads with up to 50 slides each and unlimited commenting. Get 5 free Voicethreads on mobile devices using the app. It's $5.99/month for unlimited Voicethreads via the app. A classroom subscription for the web-based version of Voicethread is $15/month or $60/year.
Kami
Kami
Built for teachers and students, Kami is a classroom app that transforms any existing document into an interactive learning experience by focusing on improved engagement and collaboration in the classroom or online. As a collaborative document annotation app for PDFs, Kami Improves engagement and interaction in the classroom and eliminates printing and copying by using the app as a digital pen and paper, or as a digital whiteboard. Kami is a web application that can be installed as an extension on Google Chrome or in the G Suite Marketplace.
Pros: High approval ratings. Eliminating the need to print, the speed at which teachers can share information with students faster.
Cons: Based off review, menu can be confusing, some features are awkward to use and will require practice. There is limited use on mobile devices.
Price: Basic plan is free. Teacher plan (upgraded version) costs $99/year. School and district customized pricing options are also available.
Verso
Verso
Do you have students that shy away from whole-group class discussions either online or in-person? Verso provides teachers with a platform that encourages online participation within discussions. Verso can be used across multiple devices. Students can voice their thoughts, opinions, and questions through a simple user experience.
Pros: Engaging and creativity. Provides a platform for anonymous comments. Creates a safe space for discussion.
Cons: Discussions can be limited.
Price: Free trials available. Verso Learning offers Teacher, School, and District licenses. Teacher licenses are $200 a year. School licenses start at $2,490 a year. District license pricing is available upon request.
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