The Ohio State University Rolls Out BYOD Student Engagement Tool

With a focus on creating an active learning environment in the classroom, The Ohio State University is deploying the Top Hat classroom engagement system to nearly 65,000 students and 7,000 faculty members.

Using the devices students already own, such as smartphones, tablets and laptops, Top Hat allows professors to deliver their lecture from anywhere in the room and poll students to instantly gauge their understanding. Professors can automatically take attendance, present interactive slides, launch six different types of questions, facilitate open discussion and get real-time feedback. Outside of the classroom, the Top Hat platform can be used for assigning homework, automatic grading and digital content.

Founded in 2009, Top Hat now boasts more than 500 university customers, including Seton Hall University, the University of Georgia and the University of Calgary.

About the Author

Rhea Kelly is editor in chief for Campus Technology, THE Journal, and Spaces4Learning. She can be reached at [email protected].

Featured

  • two businessmen shaking hands

    What I Learned Working with an OPM

    At a time when higher education is being asked to do more with less, online program management partnerships can be the difference between simply surviving and truly thriving.

  • glowing digital brain above a chessboard with data charts and flowcharts

    Why AI Strategy Matters (and Why Not Having One Is Risky)

    If your institution hasn't started developing an AI strategy, you are likely putting yourself and your stakeholders at risk, particularly when it comes to ethical use, responsible pedagogical and data practices, and innovative exploration.

  • closeup of hands on laptop with various technology icons

    Microsoft Intros New AI-Powered Teaching and Learning Tools

    Microsoft has unveiled a number of updates bringing AI-powered experiences to teaching and learning. New features include a "Teach" AI tool for Copilot, a "Study and Learn" AI agent, and more.

  • magnifying glass highlighting a human profile silhouette, set over a collage of framed icons including landscapes, charts, and education symbols

    AWS, DeepBrain AI Launch AI-Generated Multimedia Content Detector

    Amazon Web Services (AWS) and DeepBrain AI have introduced AI Detector, an enterprise-grade solution designed to identify and manage AI-generated content across multiple media types. The collaboration targets organizations in government, finance, media, law, and education sectors that need to validate content authenticity at scale.