The workshop at Central Michigan University aimed to explore the use of interactive technologies to enhance student engagement and academic achievement. Various tools such as Poll Everywhere, QuizBreak, Quiz Revolution, StudyBlue, and SurveyMonkey were introduced as formative assessment resources to help instructors gauge student understanding before exams. Ultimately, the workshop emphasized the importance of integrating technology into teaching practices while addressing potential distractions and the need for instructor guidance.

1. A Likely Pair: Engaging Technologies and
Student Achievement
Great Lakes Conference on Teaching and Learning
Central Michigan University
Mt. Pleasant, MI
05.16.14
A’Kena LongBenton, ABD, EdS
Wayne State University
akenalong@aol.com

2. Per J.D. Willms (2000), “…the theoretical literature argues that
engagement and academic achievement go hand-in-hand” (p. 9
http://goo.gl/5Sf0hc).
When instructors use technologies to teach and inform their
instruction, then they will not become victims of shock when their
students perhaps fail a course exam. Various technologies offer
instructors a greater sense of certainty that they have taught their
students the course content. Also, the below technologies allow
instructors to determine how much their students know before the
exam is given. Last, these technologies allow instructors an
opportunity to innovatively assist their students in preparation for
course exams.
Workshop Abstract

3. This workshop will address interactive technologies and readily connect
them to pedagogical practices across various disciplines. The following
technologies will be introduced: Poll Everywhere, QuizBreak!, Quiz
Revolution, StudyBlue, and SurveyMonkey.
The technologies can be used as formative assessment tools and/or quiz
previews. Also, teachers can give students web links so students can assess
these technologies outside of school.
As time permits, the aforementioned technologies will be introduced in a
workshop format where instructors will actively participate in technology-
based instructional activities. For example, using the StudyBlue tool,
instructors will engage with the Celebrity Facts online quiz.
Abstract cont.

4. As time permits, the aforementioned technologies
will be introduced in a workshop format where
instructors will actively participate in technology-
based instructional activities. Also, instructors will
digitize their formative assessments and post them
onto a wiki page, http://goo.gl/ZFqUqI, for others to
view and access.
Content Format/Activities

5. Actively participate in a real-time technology-based poll
Witness what the aforementioned technologies (Poll
Everywhere, QuizBreak!, Quiz Revolution, StudyBlue, and
SurveyMonkey) look like in practice.
Brainstorm how they will use at least one of the formative
assessment interactive technologies
Observe how others will use these interactive technologies
to improve student achievement
Goals and Objectives

6. Technology Song: http://goo.gl/brZm8r
Workshop Questions Technology Tool (available until June 13, 2014):
http://todaysmeet.com/glctl
Today’s Workshop Slides http://goo.gl/bDQSY3
Song & Questions

7. Formative Assessment Animoto Video:
http://goo.gl/CQAtXH
Poll Everywhere Survey: http://goo.gl/AIN3R2
Getting Started Interactive Activities

8. Screencast:
http://goo.gl/FRpxmV
An Online Tutorial

9. http://goo.gl/ZFqUqI
Wikispaces

10. Benefits:
Multiple choice, open-ended, or T/F questions
Real-time survey results
Customize charts for the results
Student engagement
Up to 40 users per poll for FREE
Can use cell phone or laptop to enter responses
Can edit, stop, copy, or delete poll
http://goo.gl/ijdSxc
Web Address: http://www.polleverywhere.com/

11. Benefits:
FREE Jeopardy-style online quiz
Can include images and audio
http://goo.gl/4W9zX7
Web Address:
http://clear.msu.edu/quizbreak/
Quizbreak!

12. Benefits:
FREE tool that engages audience
Question analytics, e.g., how many answered it correctly
FB sharing component
Unlimited questions
T/F, multiple choice questions with image, text, or video options
Can provide feedback and/or set a time limit
Embed quizzes
http://goo.gl/1juBpG
Web Address: http://www.quizrevolution.com/
Quiz Revolution

13. Benefits:
FREE electronic flashcards can be sorted by
Hardest to easiest
In order
Least studied
Random
Wrong
Create a written review sheet
Group sharing opportunity
Great for short answer questions
http://goo.gl/Nvm0ZR
Web Address: http://www.studyblue.com/
Study Blue

14. Benefits:
FREE survey designing tool
Multiple choice, open-ended, and/or T/F questions
Collect responses via web link or FaceBook
Analyze results
http://goo.gl/aYqUnJ
Web Address:
https://www.surveymonkey.com/
Survey monkey

15. http://akenalong.weebly.com/
Please see Technology Integration Pages.
Technologies Website

16. The technologies explored promote: active and independent
learning; application; creativity; critical thinking; problem
solving; student engagement; and reflection—not mere
comprehension.
Word of Caution: Soft skills need to be addressed when
technologies are used, e.g., time management skills. There
are countless technologies and distractions on the
internet. If students are not instructor-guided and/or
focused, then tons of unproductive hours can be spent on
the web with no intellectual gains.
Words of

17. Hopefully, you have had an opportunity to be
engaged via technologies and learn how engagement
is often a precursor to student achievement. By
participating in this workshop, perhaps you will re-
envision engagement, achievement, and especially
how your students can access your course content at
“anytime, any place any pace” (Governor Rick Snyder,
2011, http://goo.gl/BJ4wEW).
Departing Thoughts

18. Workshop Questions Technology Tool:
http://todaysmeet.com/glctl
Questions?