Audience Response System

• ResponseCards - the keypads given to the students or audience members that allow them to "vote" during a presentation.
• ResponseCard Receiver - the small USB device that is attached to the computer used to give the presentation.
• TurningPoint Software - allows you to create and display interactive PowerPoint slides for use with the ARS system.

Example ARS Slide

At the beginning of the presentation, you or your assistant hand out the ResponseCard keypads.

When TurningPoint slides appear in your presentation, audience members will use their keypads to select an answer.

Options include:

• Allowing a timed period for polling.
• Displaying answers on screen in a variety of formats.
• Anonymous or identified responses.
• Saving and analyzing data collected during polling.
• All of the functionality available with standard PowerPoint slides and more.

General Information

• To use ARS, you must be familiar with Microsoft PowerPoint. If not, please enlist an assistant from your department or school who can help with creating slides and running the presentation. We are not able to provide this assistance for you.
• ARS is compatible with both Macintosh and Windows based computers.
• Any computer that will create or display ARS slides must have the TurningPoint software installed, in addition to Microsoft PowerPoint.
• TurningPoint can be installed on as many computers as you desire. An administrative logon is required to install the program, due to this please check with your IT staff if you will need it on a computer owned by your department.
• The computer that will be used to give the presentation must also install the ResponseCard receiver hardware.
• Most lecture hall and teaching computers in CUMC classrooms have the necessary ARS software installed, but please verify this with Classroom Technology Support when you reserve a room.
• You can create your entire PowerPoint slide set, including the TurningPoint response slides, on your personal or work computer. You would then transfer this to a USB drive, CD or other portable storage for use on the classroom computer.

Reserving and Picking Up ARS Equipment

The components of ARS are provided free for any events related to the CUMC curriculum.

To reserve and use the ARS system, please follow these steps:

1. Submit the online Reservation form* with details of:
   • Your name, school affiliation and/or department.
   • The date and time you will need the equipment.
   • The total number of keypads you will need (maximum 250, if all are available).
   • Where you will be using the equipment.
   • Whether you will need to reserve a laptop as well.
     NOTE: Loaner laptops will delete all information upon restart, be sure to save any files you would like to keep to a USB key or media other than the laptop's hard drive.
   * The Reservation form requires a login to the Resource 25 WebViewer, please click here for more information about the WebViewer program.
   
2. You will receive an email confirmation that the equipment is available for the requested time and date. Classroom Technology Support will try to have the equipment available 3 days before the presentation date, to allow time for installation of the TurningPoint software and practice with the system.
   
   Classroom Technology Support will call you and make arrangements for delivery of the equipment. Keep the e-mail confirmation that you received with you when the equipment is delivered. You may also be asked to sign out for the equipment you received on a reservation sheet.
   
   
3. Install the TurningPoint software on your laptop if you are not reserving one via the online form noted above. The software can be downloaded from http://www.turningtechnologies.com or by using the CD that is included in the ARS equipment case.
   
   
4. For questions regarding the TurningPoint software, please visit the company's web site at: http://www.turningtechnologies.com. The site includes free online tutorials, quick guides and manuals, and phone and e-mail support.
   
   
5. After your presentation, please return the equipment to Reggie Frierson in Room 309 of the Hammer Health Sciences building. You may be asked to sign for the equipment you are returning.

Once TurningPoint is installed, you can create ARS-integrated PowerPoint slides using the TurningPoint toolbar that will appear:

More documentation can be found at TurningPoint's Product Guides and Manuals site. Please note that the ResponseCards available for CUMC are "RF", not XL or IR.

Online training is also available at TurningPoint's tutorials page.

Please be sure to install the ResponseCard receiver and test the ResponseCard keypads prior to giving your presentation. They are easy to use, however it is best if you are already familiar with their basic configuration ahead of time.