Five Tips for More Inclusive Use of Audience Response Systems to Engage Large Groups

Engaging large groups is a challenge experienced by many educators, especially with diverse student cohorts and increasing class sizes. While many techniques can be used to increase student engagement during lectures, one popular modality embraced by educators has been audience response systems (ARSs), such as Kahoot!© and Mentimeter©. While the options within ARSs have been evaluated for their effect on engagement, their use as formative assessments, and student preferences of their format, few studies specifically consider the technology through an inclusivity lens. This teaching tip presents ways to improve inclusivity when using ARSs through consideration of widening participation demographics. Specific insight is given to how student identity categories (neurodiversity, socioeconomic background, studying in a second language, and academic performance) might impact their ability to access, engage with, and experience ARSs during large group learning. Mitigations to overcome these challenges are presented, and educators are encouraged to reflect on their practice to use this popular technology in an effective, inclusive approach to promote social constructive learning.