Wireless keypads and other audience response technologies help foster interactive learning environments
While wired audience response systems can be found, the majority of professional audience response companies only use wireless models. There are two prevailing technologies use to transmit the answers from the keypads to the base stations: radio frequency (RF) and infrared (IR). A few companies, like Option Technologies Interactive, also offers a browser-based software that routes the data through an IP address and can be used with wireless notebook computers or other wireless handheld devices, such as Palms and Pocket PCs.
Radio Frequency (RF): RF audience response systems are ideal for large group environments. They typically have a larger base station and keypad than their infrared counterparts. Although bulky, the RF system has a larger participant capacity and longer range. Because the data travels via radio frequency, no line-of-site between keypad and base station is required. The participant merely needs to be within range of the base station (often up to 300 - 500 feet). Some models offer advanced features, such as flagging the presenter, multi-digit answers, user log-in capabilities, multiple correct answer selection and even multi-site capabilities allowing groups from all over the world to participate in the same presentation simultaneously.
Infrared (IR): IR audience response systems are perfect for small or medium-sized group environments. Executive decision making, corporate training and small college classrooms all use the IR platform successfully. IR technology requires line-of-site between the keypad and base station, and is thus not well-equipped for extremely large rooms or outdoor events (where direct sunlight can affect the IR data transmission). While not as robust as RF hardware, the IR audience response systems are light-weight, portable and very affordable – even for smaller budgets.
Browser-Based: An emerging technology, browser-based audience response systems are still in the early stages of development. It is usually sold as a software-only system, compatible with the client’s existing wireless devices. Only one copy of the software is required, which resides on the facilitator’s computer. When the facilitator creates a polling session, an IP address is assigned to that session. Participants log-in to that IP address through their own notebook computer or Pocket PC. The data is transmitted via wi-fi Internet from the participants’ wireless device to the facilitator’s machine, where the data is stored. The data is then displayed to the audience through the projector and also on each participant’s handheld device. Because the transfer of data goes through an IP address, proximity to a base station or line-of-site is not an issue. As long as the individual has Internet access, she can participate.
For more information about specific audience response system hardware platforms, contact a professional ARS vendor.