2Know Classroom Response System Gets Short Answer Feature

• By David Nagel
• 09/10/09

Ed tech developer Renaissance Learning has announced an update to its 2Know! classroom response system that allows users to respond with short answers in addition to previously supported response types.

2Know! is a hardware and software solution for classroom interaction. It includes handheld, two-way RF responders ("clickers") and desktop software for Mac OS X and Windows. The software, the 2Know! Toolbar, provides a floating toolbar and allows teachers to conduct quizzes and surveys on the fly. It also provides graphical reports to help instructors gauge students' understanding of the material at hand. The clicker, known as the Renaissance Responder, includes an LCD screen, numeric keypad, and various other buttons for responding to a teacher's questions.

With the new short-answer feature, students will be able to respond to open-ended questions with alphanumeric answers by typing text in a way similar to texting on a mobile phone, expanding the range of assessments available to instructors through the system.

According to Renaissance Learning, the functionality update will be available free for all current customers. The company reported that it expects to release the update in early 2010.

Further information can be found here.

About the Author

David Nagel is editorial director, education for 1105 Media's Public Sector Media Group and editor-in-chief of THE Journal. A 22-year publishing veteran, Nagel has led or contributed to dozens of technology, art and business publications.

He can be reached at dnagel@1105media.com. You can also connect with him on LinkedIn at or follow him on Twitter at @THEJournalDave (K-12) or @CampusTechDave (higher education).