One strategy for making a lecture more active is the use of online polling software.
Polls can be created using a variety a question types: multiple-choice, true-false, open-ended, etc. The data obtained from each question can be also be presented in different formats such as bar graphs, lists of responses (for open-ended questions) and word clouds. This means that you can use polls for a variety of different purposes. Some examples of how you might use a poll in your presentation include:
• Gauging the students’ understanding of a concept by creating a brief formative quiz
• Determining the students’ comfort level in understanding a topic through reflective questions
• Brainstorming ideas
• Gathering data from students in order to create an example or to help establish relevance of a concept
• Garnering feedback from students in order to prepare for or modify upcoming instructional activities
• The list can go on…
One advantage to using polling is that students can use their mobile devices or computers to respond to poll questions. When a poll is created, a text message number and a specific URL are provided so that students can use their personal devices to enter their responses. In addition, most tools makes it possible to embed the results from a poll directly into a PowerPoint presentation, so it does not become necessary, as the presenter, to switch between different applications. This may also increase student participation since many of the polls are anonymous. You can get opinions or votes and hear from ALL students instead of just the vocal students.
Polling tools:
Live quizzing tools (could also be used for these purposes):
Most of these tools are free to use, but have a premium subscription if you are interested in more features.