Enhancing the engagement of large cohorts using live interactive polling and feedback

A novel two-way live communication process between teacher and students in large classes has been implemented using Web 2.0 polling platforms to enhance the engagement of students in classroom activities, and to allow the teacher to respond to students’ question in real time. The research question of this study was to explore and evaluate the two-way live communication between students and teachers, and among students, and how it enhances the engagement of students. To study this research question, modules from two different disciplines (electrical engineering and electronics, and psychology) have adopted the two-way live communication process. A mixed methodology, including online surveys, focus groups, and analysis of students’ responses, was followed to analyse in-depth the impact of the method on students’ engagement and learning. The study is supported by the review of the background from the literature. The outcomes of the study are discussed and compared with previous studies from the literature.