Wireless Keypads
Wireless keypads are devices used as an element of an audience
response system. Wireless keypads are also known as
interactive keypads and are used by members of an audience in a
lecture, a conference or other setting to interact with fellow
audience members and the presenter.
As an input device, wireless portable keypads come in different
shapes and forms, varying from the voting keypads used in annual
general meetings and suchlike, to the interactive keypads used
during lecture sessions. The device is a simple way for an audience
member to send a response to a central system that is accessed by
the presenter.
The key benefit of an audience response system that makes use of
wireless keypads is that the input process and the interpretation
of the inputs is automated. The host or presenter can
instantly see the results of the audience interaction which can in
turn prompt further questions to be answered by the use of the
keypads in the hands of audience members.
Keypads can have a number of unique features over and above a
few simple buttons. It has become more common for keypads to
include a wireless
handset microphone so that audience members can talk to the
audience and the presenter. More advanced keypads could have
a card reader to identify the person who is holding the keypad or
could offer interpretation services.
Newer handsets often include full colour screens and even full
text keyboards that make it easy for audience members to submit
complex answers to question posted by the presenter.