The use of electronic voting systems (EVS) in teaching at all levels is increasing as the technology becomes cheaper and easier to use. Although many educators initially take a cynical view of the educational value of such technology, many of those who use EVS express a very positive view of their experiences. This article aims to share these experiences with a wider audience, with a view to encouraging even more widespread use of the technology. The use of EVS by teachers in schools as well as in university settings is considered.

Challenge
To deploy a voting system in an innovative, mixed ICT environment.

Solution
TurningPoint with ResponseWare

Benefits
- Higher-order thinking
- Cross-curricular applications
- Extra-curricular use

"Using ResponseWare not only stimulated higher-order reasoning but also got everyone involved, from the shy to the vocal."
Steve Beard, Lead ICT Practitioner

Challenge
To encourage pupil participation and meet assessment objectives in maths. 

Solution
32 TurningPoint handsets

Benefits
- Whole class engagement
- Engaging classroom discussions
- Individual pupil development plans

"Using TurningPoint meant every pupil's understanding of fractions was individually assessed and the lesson objectives were adjusted immediately to their specific needs."
Maura Cassels, Head of Mathematics, Waldegrave School for Girls

Challenge
To make history relevant to students' everyday lives.

Solution
Portable TurningPoint kit

Benefits
- Ability to evaluate effectiveness of lesson
- Engages students in the lesson
- Portability

“TurningPoint facilitates improved learning outcomes.”
Ben Walsh, Historical Author

Challenge
To engage the views of thousands of students in one high profile event

Solution
2,000 TurningPoint handsets

Benefits
- Involving every student in a massive group
- Lively debates and discussions inspired by the votes
- Portability and scalability

"The TurningPoint handsets allowed the audience to interact with key journalists and politicians."
Zandria Pauncefort, Chief Executive, Institute for Citizenship

Challenge
To engage with groups of distracted young people on a field-based course at the beach. 

Solution
TurningPoint handsets with ResponseCard Anywhere

Benefits
- Engagement in tricky environments
- Agility
- Further use beyond the courses

"ResponseCard Anywhere made a real difference on the day."
Ross MacLeod, Beach Safety Programmes Manager

Challenge
To make roadshows interactive and to obtain audience feedback 

Solution
TurningPoint handsets

Benefits
- Ongoing refinements from live feedback
- Lively debates and discussions inspired by the votes
- Portability and scalability

"TurningPoint's instant response feature is of huge benefit to the roadshow presenters."
Emma Kemp, BP Educational Service

Challenge
To encourage debate amongst a potentially pessimistic group 

Solution
TurningPoint handsets in a live conference

Benefits
- Anonymity gave more truthful answers
- Ensuing debate formed future strategy
- Demographics gave richer insights

“The entire process worked really well with many headteachers commenting to me how much they enjoyed the activity. They felt they had properly engaged in the issues raised for the first time!”.
Heather Tomlinson, Director of Education & Children’s Services (Designate), Bristol LEA