The Future of Education

A mobile app was used in a quick polling initiative in large finance classes using multiple choice questions. Students responded using either a smartphone app (56%) or by using pen and paper (44%). Immediate feedback was provided to students using charts that were generated from the responses of those who used the app. The sample included 42% males, 58% females, 78% undergraduates and 22% graduate students. A questionnaire was used to evaluate student perceptions of using quick polls, the app and their engagement. Results indicate that females perceived they were more prepared for class and that they improved their attendance and interaction with the lecturer than males. Graduate students felt they were more prepared for classes, and that their attendance and performance in the subject improved compared to undergraduate students. Overall, those who participated in quick polling using the app like to have more polling opportunities in the lecture and prefer to have this initiative extended to other classes. They also felt they improved their interaction with their lecturer. There were limited differences between those who used the app and those who used pen and paper.