2/9/2008

Ref: QD073

A worldwide leader in handheld voting systems, Qwizdom (UK Pavilion Stand D43) is showcasing technology for classrooms and lecture theatres in the form of the new Q2 RF handset, the Q4 RF handset and Actionpoint Suite software. With 6500 schools, colleges, universities and adult learning centres in the world, 3000 of which are in Europe, already benefiting from Qwizdom’s voting system, it is suitable for use across all subjects, particularly in mathematics and science; providing an entertaining way to encourage whole-class participation. It can make a huge difference to students’ motivation to learn, regardless of age or ability, and answers can be evaluated anonymously as a class, so even shy students enjoy joining in.

The Q2 has been designed for use in large groups, as well as with primary pupils and those with special education needs. The handset uses a simple ‘send-on-press’ technology to help young children master it – they simply click on one button that corresponds to their answer as opposed to ‘multi-key’ which allows children to click on multiple answers. The small, lightweight Q2 remote uses advanced two-way radio frequency technology, allowing it to work almost anywhere and can be customised to encompass a school’s logo and colours. It also utilises new innovative display technology – E-ink – which requires minimal power to display an image. This ensures that batteries last much longer, reducing replacement costs for schools. Raised buttons, which also include embossed Braille, makes this handset even more SEN friendly. Meanwhile, the Q4 remote features an ergonomically designed, easy-to-use, alpha-numeric keyboard ideal for numeric, multiple-choice, multiple mark, true/false, yes/no, rating scale and sequencing questions.

Actionpoint Suite, now available in ten different languages*, encompasses Adobe Flash-based games to encourage healthy classroom competition and diverse reporting tools to help teachers identify patterns of ability from their pupils’ test results. Building on Actionpoint’s immense success, Actionpoint Suite seamlessly integrates into Microsoft PowerPoint, allowing teachers to assess their pupils’ knowledge via tests, quizzes and games. Useful for both formative and summative assessment, results can be displayed as charts, graphs and tables. The software can draw demographical information about pupils directly from a school’s Management Information System (MIS), enabling teachers to identify patterns in ability. Reports can be generated from every quiz, whether a formal end-of-module test or one used to break up a lesson, so is particularly useful for keeping a record of students’ attainment and progression throughout the year.

Qwizdom is compatible with all interactive whiteboards, and can also be used independently, as well as on laptops. This compatibility has received positive feedback from schools and universities as teachers are not required to master new whiteboard software to use the system.

Richard Allaway, Head of Geography at the International School of Toulouse, comments: “When Qwizdom was introduced, students showed immediate interest and asked “when are we going to use these in class?” I use Qwizdom with Year 9s to quantify their knowledge and understanding of climate change before the start of the unit – an important stage when teaching a subject that receives a lot of press attention and possible misconceptions. A ‘mega-quiz’ was also produced as part of our Induction Day Geography experience for Year 6s to add enjoyment and help teachers make early assessments of students’ geographical knowledge and understanding.“

Paul Brown, Managing Director of Qwizdom UK, adds: “There is a need throughout education worldwide to provide a more holistic interactive classroom so that students can participate more actively in the learning process. Actionpoint Suite provides teachers with a comprehensive way to assess pupils’ knowledge and have fun while they do it. The software not only reduces the time teachers have to spend marking tests, but allows them to manipulate the data to focus on different students and demographics. ”

Qwizdom welcomes schools, universities and adult education centres to their stand at WORLDDIDAC and is keen to talk to education resellers.

For more information on Qwizdom, please visit the web site at www.qwizdom.co.uk, tel: +44 (0) 2890 485 015 or send an e-mail to gary.morrison@qwizdom.co.uk.

Notes to editors:
*Actionpoint Suite is now available in the following languages: English, French, German, Spanish, Italian, Hungarian, Dutch, Swedish, Latvian and Portuguese. Qwizdom can translate it into any other language within four days of request.

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