Students who are too shy to answer questions in class will have their embarrassment ended by a new electronic system which allows them to give answers to tutors in private. The Hong Kong University of Science and Technology will be the first tertiary institution in the world to adopt the Personal Response System across the whole campus.

The electronic tool, like a remote control, enables all students to respond electronically and in private to questions asked in class by their instructors. Students will get a pocketsize transmitter and their instructor a receiver. During a lecture the instructor may stop from time to time to assess the students’ (17) _______ of the content by asking a question. The student can tap the answer into the personalized wireless transmitter and the answer are immediately sent to the instructor’s receiver.

Professor Nelson Cue, who demonstrated how to use the device yesterday said: “Allowing students to respond privately and at ease removes the threat associated with speaking publicly (18)______ lectures. Students do not have to risk a loss of face when they give the wrong answer. They also do not have to compete for the attention of the instructor. What’s more, the most important part of learning often takes place while mistakes are being discussed”.