Interactive student response system with iBeacon and web-socket for flipped classroom learning

The paper proposes an interactive student response portfolio (ISREP) system with iBeacon and web-socket technology, which supports flipped-classroom learning activities in traditional classrooms. The design of the ISREP system aims at promote interactions in classroom learning (CL). It offers APPs and web-interface functions for students and teachers, respectively. Students’ APP can scan iBeacon devices in classrooms and then automatically upload their identification information to the cloud space. Consequently, students’ presence in classroom can be recorded automatically. Moreover, teachers employ another function the system provides to promote high interaction in classroom via displaying questions on the front screen in classroom. Meanwhile, it simultaneously pushes (multicasts) these questions to students’ smartphones via web-socket technology. Subsequently, students send their responses for questions to the cloud space by the APP. During answering questions, the system presents temporary histograms of students’ responses and counting-down statuses of a timer on the screen in classroom. A timer can be synchronized with students’ APP by the web-socket technology. This way can promote students’ interaction and interest and then students enjoy in quiz-like activities. Teachers can quickly get results of students’ responses. A quasi-experiment was conducted in flipped-CL activities of a university class utilizing the system. Observing experimental results, it was found that students, who receive the instruction with the system, improved their interaction, learning interest, learning attitude, and learning satisfaction. Moreover, the proposed system helps teachers quickly obtain students’ learning situation in classroom and then may adjust their instructional approaches or contents.