Comparison of Web-Based Classroom Response Systems
A detailed comparison of various web-based classroom response systems, including features, pricing, device compatibility, and integration capabilities with learning management systems.
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A comparison of ten web-based classroom response systems (CRS) reveals a range of features and pricing structures designed to enhance student engagement. Poll Everywhere offers a flexible pricing model, free for students and ranging from free to over $1,400 per month for instructors, depending on the number of respondents. In contrast, Top Hat Monocle charges students $20 per semester or $38 for four years, while Smart Response provides a free version for students and costs $429 per teacher. Turning Technologies has a student price of $14 per semester or $40 for four years, and LectureTools charges students $15 per semester or $60 for four years. Socrative is currently in beta and free for both students and teachers, whereas i>Clicker has a student price of $10 for the WebClicker service and $32 for the mobile app. Similarly, einstruction offers a student price of $17 for vClicker and $49 for the full service, while Qwizdom charges students $15 for a semester or $30 for two semesters. Learning Catalytics is also priced at $12 per semester and is free for students and teachers using Google Forms.
In terms of the number of respondents, Poll Everywhere allows 40 in its free version, with paid versions supporting 50 or more. Top Hat Monocle, Smart Response, Turning Technologies, LectureTools, and Qwizdom do not impose hard limits on the number of respondents. However, Socrative limits the free version to 50 respondents. i>Clicker, einstruction, and Learning Catalytics also do not have hard limits.
Most of these systems support mobile and laptop devices through browser access. Poll Everywhere, Top Hat Monocle, Smart Response, Turning Technologies, LectureTools, Socrative, i>Clicker, einstruction, Qwizdom, and Learning Catalytics all allow usage via mobile devices. However, only Poll Everywhere and Top Hat Monocle support non-smart cell phones through texting. All systems, except for Smart Response and LectureTools, support free text responses, which enhances interaction during sessions.
When it comes to integrating with RF clickers, Smart Response, Turning Technologies, and i>Clicker allow for mixing clickers with mobile devices, while Poll Everywhere and Top Hat Monocle do not support RF clickers. In terms of compatibility with HTML5 and iPad, Poll Everywhere is partially compatible for students but not for teachers, while Top Hat Monocle relies on flash-based widgets. Smart Response operates as desktop software with flash support, whereas Turning Technologies offers iPad and Android apps for both students and instructors. Socrative and Learning Catalytics provide HTML5 browser versions and iPad apps, while einstruction's vClicker mobile edition requires Microsoft Silverlight.
Integration with Learning Management Systems (LMS) varies among these platforms. Poll Everywhere does not currently integrate but allows for spreadsheet exports, while Top Hat Monocle does offer LMS integration. Smart Response and LectureTools also provide some level of LMS compatibility, with the latter possibly integrating with CTools/Sakai. Socrative and Qwizdom do not support LMS integration, although they allow data exports. Learning Catalytics integrates with most LMS vendors that support Google Apps.
Accessibility features are present in many systems, with Poll Everywhere, Top Hat Monocle, Smart Response, LectureTools, and Qwizdom all providing some level of accessibility support. However, Top Hat Monocle's effectiveness is limited if flash widgets are used, and LectureTools is still working on improving accessibility for users with disabilities.
In terms of ecosystems, Poll Everywhere is compatible with smart boards and podiums, while Top Hat Monocle offers study and note-taking tools for students. Smart Response is associated with whiteboards, and Turning Technologies provides a Q7 presenter tablet. Google Apps is mentioned as part of the ecosystem for Learning Catalytics.
Future developments for these systems include potential LMS integration for Poll Everywhere, an iPad app for Top Hat Monocle, and the possibility of Google+ Hangouts adding polling options in the future. However, some limitations exist, such as Poll Everywhere's issues with upgrading from free to paid accounts and Top Hat Monocle's incompatibility with older browsers. LectureTools has been noted for its difficulty in adding questions on the fly, and einstruction's platform is not specifically designed as a response system, requiring additional setup for effective use.
Several colleges have adopted these systems, with Poll Everywhere being utilized by institutions like UNC and Duke University, while Top Hat Monocle is used at Tennessee Tech. Turning Technologies has seen adoption at Vanderbilt and Penn, among others. LectureTools is used at the University of Michigan, and Qwizdom has been adopted by several universities, including Oklahoma State and the University of New Hampshire. Notably, 66% of the top 100 schools have adopted Google Apps as part of their educational tools.
For those interested in further comparisons, additional resources and links to clicker systems can be found, including free and open-source options that enhance classroom interactivity.