Joshua Van Breukelen
Mentimeter
What is it?
Mentimeter is an online engagement and interaction tool, that gives the user the ability to interact with others in real-time.
This application is great for people who are trying to ask questions or set content for a specific target audience, as it allows the user to collect targeted responses and make appropriate decisions based on them. For teachers, this can allow for more effective inclusion and interaction in the classroom, with opportunities for:
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Groupwork
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Classroom Discussion
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Brainstorming
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Assessment and Revision
This ICT tool has a variety of different of using, allowing the user to create and communicate information in a format the fits their needs. Examples of the possible content types are below.
Question Types [Screenshot]. (2020) Retrieved from: https://www.mentimeter.com/
Overview of Benefits
Engagement Opportunities
When using this application, the user is capable of engaging with large amounts of other people through the use of the various creation types available. I found this tool great for collaboration and building discussion both in-person and online, as it allowed for all users to have equal input into answering questions posed on the software. For teachers, I found this great for brainstorming within the classroom and then later using it as a revision or discussion tool with the class; or even for online participation when presenting live online via a video chat service.
Data Collection Opportunities
After using the application in answering a question or discussion, the user can store the responses for later access or use for their needs. I found this feature useful for creating further questions on the application and checking the understanding of certain concepts discussed. In the classroom, I found this application beneficial for checking student’s readiness regarding concepts as well as their level of understanding; in which I could use to later revise lessons or alter future lessons.
Simplicity and Compatibility of the Interface
I found this tool extremely user-friendly and simple to use in all of its applications, including creating and participation. When using the tool, its interface uses simple ‘drag and drop’ and ‘click’ options for creating new interaction tools; being similar to the structure of using Microsoft Powerpoint, which for many users makes it a comfortable tool to use; whilst also making it easy embedding it into PowerPoints or other presentation methods.
Overview of Weaknesses
Technological Requirements
Due to the collaborative nature of this application, I found its maximum benefit coming from when all users had access to a device with an internet connection. Given this, a problem with this ICT tool is the need for individual technology for its use, which does not make it a universal tool that all people can access equally. In the classroom, I found that it was possible to utilise without all students having access to technology, however, it did become less useful and have less attraction towards its use.
Input limitations
One of the main weaknesses I found Mentimeter having was the lack of accessibility and input options. When answering questions or participating in a discussion, the users are limited to in most cases using typed language on their devices. This leaves users who are more capable or comfortable participating through voice input, drawing, linking information and other methods out of the discussion. Through fixing this, the application would become much more accessible to all users.
Collaboration Censoring
When using the application, it is possible for the user to input inappropriate words or information to answer a question. This weakness can cause users to not answer questions correctly and therefore lower the validity and usefulness of the questions asked. In the classroom, I found this a problem as the teacher is not able to track who enters certain information and therefore it is possible for students to continue to incorrectly use the tool.
Links to Learning Theories
Under the SAMR model, Mentimeter can be identified as a basic substitution application, as it only substitutes for other types of input and discussion within the class. This can be seen from it taking the basic idea of brainstorming on a whiteboard and moving it onto devices for discussion; as well as it moving other ideas like creating graphs and Powerpoint and moving them to one online application that encompasses using them all. Given this, it shows that teachers should use this tool for the basic transmission of knowledge and generating discussion within the classroom, that can later be used to build towards higher-order thinking and creating.
How to use it in the classroom
Explanation of Use in the Classroom
In the classroom, Mentimeter can be used in a variety of ways to either present information or create class discussion. For me, I found the most beneficial function of this tool to be using it for a discussion point at the start of the class (a hook).
For example, if I was beginning to teach the class about the various types of businesses, I would do the following steps within the classroom:
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Start class by asking them to pair up with a partner to complete a 'think-pair-share' about "what types of businesses there are".
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Get each student to use a device to enter one answer they had to the question in step one via the Mentimenter link the teacher gives them.
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Ask the class to discuss with their previous partner then idea's that are presented on the Mentimeter word cloud projected on the board.
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Ask the class if they think any of the answers are incorrect or have any questions about them.
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Tell the class that there are five types of business that they will cover and ask if they can use the Mentimeter word cloud to list the five types of business.
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Reveal the five types of businesses that the class will look at, then using this information transition into the lesson.
Though getting the students to work collaboratively to brainstorm and share their ideas with the class; the teacher can build interest in the topic and get the students involved in their own learning process.
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Curriculum Code for Class Example
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Types of businesses (e.g. sole trader, partnership, corporation, cooperative, franchise) and the ways that businesses respond to opportunities in Australia (ACHEK030)
Example
Below is an example of a Mentimeter Wordcloud that I used in the class example above.
Interactive presentation software. (2020). Retrieved 4 May 2020, from https://www.mentimeter.com/
