The impact of using smartphones as student response systems on prospective teacher education training: a case study

Abstract

Higher education classrooms have long suffered from a lack of interactivity. At Universidad Rey Juan Carlos, some instructors actively seek technologic interventions that can increase interactivity in large classes. This study explored the learning effectiveness and engagement appeal of using Socrative as a Student Response System (SRS), known as clicker, and also reports results from a formal implementation of the system in K-12 prospective teachers higher education classrooms. A questionnaire based survey was conducted to inquire into students’ perceptions on their use, and data collected from 70 students was examined. As the data reveal, Socrative can much better engage students in the learning process, promoting collaboration and encouraging participation. However, some problems related to the use of SRSs were revealed such as the off-task use of the smartphones in the classroom. Recommendations were provided with respect to the use of SRSs in higher education.