Date of Award

6-3-2009

Document Type

Thesis (Undergraduate)

Department or Program

Department of Computer Science

First Advisor

Sean W. Smith

Abstract

Classroom Response Systems (CRS) are an in-class technology used to poll students and instantly display an aggregate representation of their responses. CRS have been around since the 1970s and have become increasingly more popular in higher education lecture halls. Even though technology, specifically computers and communications, has improved significantly since the 1970s, CRS have remained surprisingly unchanged. The purpose of this project was to develop an innovative web-based CRS using web services. The web-based aspect utilizes Dartmouth's wireless campus while the web services back-end makes the product more extensible. Lastly, we added a set of out-of-class learning tools for students as well as an in-class tool called the Confusion Meter to enhance student-to-instructor communication. With these features, our goal was to create a free, open-source system that enhances the teaching and learning experience and remains extensible and developer-friendly, unlike any commercial CRS currently available.

Comments

Originally posted in the Dartmouth College Computer Science Technical Report Series, number TR2009-651.

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