Electronic voting now available on CFS

The software that supports the electronic voting system, (also known as ‘clickers’ or ‘who wants to be a millionaire?’) is now available on CFS. Turning Point 2008 can be used to write voting questions on any CFS PC in a special version of PowerPoint (2007 or 2003). The drivers to enable voting in teaching rooms, computer rooms and labs are being installed across campus. All first year BS, MB, MG and MP students now have handsets for the full academic year. So if you are conducting voting with first years, all that is now needed is a small USB receiver connected to the presenting machine. Three voting receivers and an additional 115 handsets are available for teaching use with other undergraduate or postgraduate students.

Turning point 2008

An online form is available to book the equipment and you can see you booking in the online calendar.

More supporting information on how to use the system, including user guides, booking information, ideas for using voting in your teaching are available on Jo Badge’s support site.

How do I extract data from the electronic voting system?

The electronic voting system, Turning point, automatically collects data from every vote registered. This data can be saved and later analysed by question, participant responses and many other ways.

What is electronic voting?

Electronic voting is a way for students to register a response to a question posed by a lecturer. Each student has a wireless handset which transmits a signal to a receiver that is plugged into a computer. Software is provided which integrates with PowerPoint to enable the creation of question slides for use in presentation. A short guide on electronic voting in the School of Biological Sciences is available online.

How can I use eletronic voting in my teaching?

You may already have some element of interactivity in your lectures, if so, why not consider using the voting system in place of a show of hands or coloured cards? Here are some simple tips that will help you use the electronic voting system effectively in increase student engagement in your lectures.

Upgrading to Turning Point 2008

You can download the turning point 2008 software for free. You will need to register with the site to obtain your copy.

‘In order to update your software to the latest version, you will have to uninstall your current version of TurningPoint and install the full new version.’

Report on the use of electronic voting

The School of Biological Sciences has been using the Keepad system and Turning point software with first year undergraduates. This report evaluates their uses. I am very pleased to report that all but 13 of the 159 handsets loaned to first years during the year have been returned, all in working (if not spotless!) order. We have ordered some replacement handsets and will be giving handsets to first years again in 2008/9.