Student Response Systems

Student Response Systems - these clever little gadgets that look like small calculators and send responses to a receiver the professor has - started in the entertainment industry. Marketing research used them to gauge audience response to pilot programs.

Now they are in the classroom. When used correctly (not technically, but pedagogically) they can be an asset.

The Teaching Exchange (Brown University) ran an article in 2002 wherein a couple of professors describe the advantages of using this technology, including active learning vs. passive learning.

Maricopa has more information on the subject (March 2004) on their cleverly named Low Threshold Applications site.

Many vendors (Turning Point, Qwizdom) offer hardware. Some requires PowerPoint, which is already being used by many lecturers, and some have their own software. New technology has allowed reception by radio frequency - increasing the area of usage, and improving reception.

More later on this, I'm sure.

Gifted Students

A variety of resources for parents of gifted kids. Good luck!

Helping Your Highly Gifted Child, by Stephanie S. Tolan

UC Berkeley Academic Talent Development Program

Education for Gifted Youth (Standford)

Gifted Child Monthly, a UK gifted newsletter

Hoagies' Gifted Education Page

The National Association for Gifted Children

American MENSA (High IQ society)

California Association for Gifted