Hardware or Wetware

Abstract

Student response systems have received much attention over the past few years. This easy-to-use technology has been marketed as a great way to enhance the student experience in the classroom through increased engagement and improved course performance. This aim of this study was to demonstrate that the simple addition of a student response system into the classroom does not create these large changes. Rather, these changes are likely due to the pedagogical changes that occur when an instructor implements this technology in the classroom. Student response systems should not be viewed as a magic bullet to improve students' experience; rather, more focus should be placed on how instructors can improve their pedagogy through the use of this tool.