We have used a keypad system called the Student Response System here for
several years. Ours are a "minimalist" system. They have only a Yes/No
option and 5 keys for multiple choice responses. However, I believe that
SRS systems are available in other configurations...I don't know if a
"calculator type number pad" is one of them. I've just moved my office,
and so all my files are in boxes. regrettably, I can't provide you with
the address of the manufacturer just now (perhaps in a week or two when I
get settled in to my new digs).
I think you can probably find information on the SRS system at the IAT
(Institute for Academic Technology) website at http://www.iat.unc.edu/
Good luck. Keypad response systems can be a useful tool for teachers and
students by encouraging real-time feedback in large classes where
interaction is difficult. Hopefully they will become sophisticated
enough to be suitable for testing as well. (They may be already...I
haven't checked out new systems in about three years. My initial
concerns with using them for testing three years ago were related to
security and system integrity. If these problems have been overcome, I'd
like to know about it. Anybody have information more current than mine?)
Michael
Michael Burke
Academic Technology Support
University of Tennessee, Knoxville
michael@utkux.utk.edu
mburke@utk.edu