LectureTools is a web-enabled software program where instructors and students can actively engage with each other during class. The University of Windsor has secured a license for this program. This license enables instructors to upload PowerPoint presentations to the web and then embed active learning slides into the presentation. Students do not need to purchase any additional devices as they can use their own, and instructors do not need specialized equipment, other than a web-enabled computer or laptop to run the presentation. The active-learning slides can be in the form of:
- multiple-choice questions,
- numerical responses,
- ordered lists,
- multimedia slides,
- image quizzes, or
- short answer activities.
Students connect to the presentation on a web-enabled device using their UWin IDs (after they have initiated the account). Once in a presentation, students can type notes about the lecture into their interface, annotate slides (for their reference) mark slides as confusing, bookmark them, as well as virtually pose questions to the instructor. The LectureTools system can enhance the teaching and learning experience by harnessing the power of the internet and mobile devices into the classroom.