Applying smart devices for gathering real-time feedback from students

Abstract

This article presents and describes in detail an interactive method of teaching and gathering feedback from students by applying internet‐based survey systems and utilizing smart devices. Real‐time survey results are monitored and analyzed by university staff and the lecturers, and these results are visible to other students as well. The presented method is probably the fastest and easiest way to receive feedback from students while increasing their interest and participation in lectures and laboratory work. The proposed method combines multiple means of gathering feedback from students, which include surveys, consultations, and group discussions. This interactive method has been applied for 5 years at the Faculty of Electronics, Vilnius Gediminas Technical University, Vilnius, Lithuania. After analyzing 10 years of available statistical data, which included 5 years when the presented interactive survey method was applied, a 4–6% increase in student performance was observed. Therefore, we conclude that this is perhaps a direct consequence of applying the discussed interactive method. In addition, after analyzing student surveys, it has been observed that 86.37% of students evaluated the use of smart devices positively in conjunction with this teaching method process. The students also positively evaluated the teaching process overall, and highly encouraging responses were received to questions asking to rate class activities and class atmosphere using this interactive survey method—87.79% and 91.68%, respectively. A large number of positive responses reflect a positive student attitude towards the use of such interactive surveys in the study process and supports their benefits aimed at increasing the overall quality of education.