Achieve classroom transformation using LectureTools.  This web-based, wireless internet environment allows in-class text questions, interactive image questions, self-exploration through animations, enhanced note taking capability, in-class feedback, podcasting, difficulty scoring, community learning, and more.

Observations:

• Science teaching traditionally relies on presentation delivered as monologue, albeit spirited.
• Advent of extensive lecture notes and slides on Internet leave students with little incentive to attend class, much less participate.
• Even most stunning of images or movies, while motivating, offers students only passive participation in their learning.
• There is little expectation for students to critically think through arguments being developed in class.

Pedagogical Goals:

• Enhance student engagement in large classroom settings.
• Encourage inquiry and critical thinking.

Achieved by leveraging the opportunities of modern IT and today’s technologically-adapt students.

Current LectureTools windows:
For students (a) and instructors (b).

Login:
PC: http://www.lecturetools.org/
Handheld/PDA: http://mobile.lecturetools.org/

Administrative access: http://admin.lecturetools.org/

Presentations:

For a recent PowerPoint presentation on the philosophy and mechanics of LectureTools (at 2006 GSA meeting, Pittsburgh), click here (opens PowerPoint show in second window)

Contacts:
General info: lecturetools@umich.edu (LT team)
People:  samson@umich.edu (Perry Samson), vdpluijm@umich.edu  (Ben van der Pluijm)