As recently as four years ago, professors looking for audience response technology were responsible for it themselves.

However, specialists such as Randy Jackson, an assistant director with Classroom Support Services (CSS), have been working with UW staff and technology specialists to coordinate a standard so students don’t have to buy different clickers, making conversion between classes easier.

What they found was Turning Technologies, LLC, a company that produces a response system integrated with Microsoft PowerPoint called “TurningPoint.”

Senior physics lecturer Daryl Pedigo was the first to use this sort of technology back in 2003. Then, response systems had to be built into the classrooms; wires were strung around the room to each individual seat and students had to point their remotes at specific receivers.

Now, the technology has evolved into portable radio frequency remotes and USB memory sticks.

Jackson estimates that close to 5,000 students ranging from undergraduate to post-graduate are using the technology this year.

Political science professor Bethany Albertson began using TurningPoint in her American politics course last quarter after seeing its success with her colleagues.

“I like that they make lecture more interactive, and they allow me to see what the students are learning and what they’re missing,” she said. “I think the review questions were helpful.”

Response cards can also be registered with the professor under the students’ names to encourage participation and track individual progress.

In addition to the usefulness of the technology, much of the growth can be tied to a sharp decrease in cost. Software licensing fees, which once could total up to $10,000, have disappeared. Instead, the software is now free and the only costs are $100 per receiver for the University and around $45 for each student to purchase a remote.

“The simplicity is a value,” Jackson said. “You don’t have to take a lot of time to learn how to use these things.”

Though it seems that the technology is here to stay, it may not stay in its current form much longer. CSS is looking into new developments, such as LCD screens and two-way communication via the remotes, according to Jackson. For instance, Turning Technologies’ newest product — the ResponseCard XR — sports a large screen and answer confirmation responses.

“Overall, these technologies bring more life into a large or small classroom,” Jackson said. “It will evolve over time, but it’s based on an underlying educational concept to challenge people’s thinking and find a way to engage students. It builds a conversation rather than just a lecture.”

[Reach reporter Nick Feldman at news@thedaily.washington.edu.]