Recognised for progression and innovation, the University of Central Lancashire (UCLAN) has set the standard for the future of interactive learning with the installation of IML's state-of-the-art, interactive keypad system.

 

Client background 

 

UCLAN invests heavily in the very latest learning equipment and technology, fulfilling their ethos to provide their diverse student population with full access to educational activities and to remove learning barriers for those with special needs.

 

The decision to invest in an interactive response system came after a recent study by UCLAN highlighted the difficulties that students may face during their time at University. Some students involved in the study reported feeling isolated in large classes, revealing they had little or no interaction with other students. Others expressed concerns that they had difficulty coping with independent learning, admitting that they had little idea of what was required of them at University or how well they were progressing.

 

With significant research to support the claim that enhanced learning is achieved when students are actively engaged in what they are being taught, UCLAN felt that some of the problematic issues uncovered by the study could be solved through interactive learning. They recognised that an interactive response system would encourage active and group/collaborative learning, thereby including those who had previously felt excluded or isolated from the learning experience. Furthermore, using the system for testing and revision sessions would enable students to gauge their own progress, whilst actively engaging them in learning.

 

The Challenge

 

UCLAN approached IML to install their interactive audience response system as part of a multi-million pound investment in facilities designed to aid study and widen student participation in learning.

 

Following an intensive selection process UCLAN found that IML’s wireless keypad system and Question Wizard software could meet all of the requirements for their pilot scheme:

 

"UCLAN required a robust and modern looking system with many features that would be easy to set up and use. In addition, the system had to fit in with the existing IT systems and infrastructure", Mick Wood, Multimedia Development Officer, UCLAN.

 

The IML solution

 

UCLAN purchased 100 Communicator keypads with Question Wizard software and discovered how advantageous interaction can be to the learning environment:

 

“Students and staff immediately recognise the positive benefits of the technology and, unlike so many other classroom devices, the impact is neither superficial nor short-lasting. There is no doubt that it provides an immediacy that other technologies do not offer,” Professor Patrick McGhee, Pro Vice-Chancellor (Academic) UCLAN

 

The diverse functionality of the IML system, has allowed staff to integrate interaction into a broad range of teaching and discussion activities. In every situation where the system has been used, students and staff have benefited from immediate interactive response, allowing them to react to the results seconds after a vote or question has been taken.

 

“Once answers to the questions were presented on-screen students became very animated. They were very pleased to see visual confirmation of (correct) responses and this led to engagement and enthusiasm. One said: “It beats a lecture, doesn’t it.”” , Ros Healy, Senior Lecturer, Centre for Employability

 

Moreover, the participatory nature of the system has given a voice to students who have less confidence expressing themselves during lessons. These students now participate as equals alongside more confident and vocal students, creating a truly inclusive learning environment.

 

Client testimonial

 

“The system is an excellent tool for team building and team development…It is a very useful learning tool as it makes learning fun.” Ros Healy, Senior Lecturer, Centre for Employability