The Teaching and Learning with Technology (TLT) department reminds you that Top Hat, an easy to use student response system (SRS), is available at Ithaca College to enhance instruction and actively engage students in class. We are also pleased to announce a Spring 2019 pilot for Top Hat Test, a secure online testing option to your Instructor/Student accounts.*
What is a student response system (SRS)?
Sometimes referred to as clickers, classroom response system, or audience response systems, an SRS allows instructors to pose questions and gather students' responses live in class.
Why should I use Top Hat in class?
How does it work?
Top Hat is an easy to use system that is integrated with our learning management system, Sakai. Before class, create multiple-choice questions in your online Instructor account or use the assignment builder to create homework and quizzes with automatic grading options. During instruction, students will login to their (pre-purchased) account using a personal mobile device (laptop, tablet, or smartphone) and join your Top Hat class. Activate your questions, engage your students, and see real-time results. All session data is recorded and kept online for Instructor access after class.
Note that students need to purchase an activation key through the IC Bookstore ($20 per semester / $30 per academic year). Please contact the IC Bookstore as soon as possible if you plan to use Top Hat with your Spring ’19 classes.
How do I get started?
Top Hat is offering all Ithaca educators one-on-one assistance, so that your spring semester gets off to a great start. Nicholas Porter, the Ithaca College Top Hat Key Account Executive, will be on campus December 3-5 to meet with faculty interested in learning more about the tools available. He will also provide small group demonstrations as part of the TLT Apps & Appetizers Learning Series event on December 5th from 11:30am – 1:30pm in the Faculty Learning Space. Please contact Nic Porter at nicholas@tophatmonocle.com to set up a time to meet one-on-one while he is visiting Ithaca College.
What if I need help?
Our TLT staff is happy to assist you with getting started, instructional applications of Top Hat, technical difficulties, one-on-one training and even help your students get started the first time you use the new system in class. Reach out to the TLT team to arrange a time for help. Don’t forget, Top Hat Customer Service is also available and very responsive to providing the support you need to have a successful experience.
*Spring ’19 Pilot!
The Teaching & Learning with Technology team is seeking faculty to pilot Top Hat Test, a secure online testing platform, during the Spring 2019 semester. If you would like to pilot Top Hat Test please contact Dr. Jenna Linskens, Associate Director for Teaching & Learning with Technology, at jlinskens@ithaca.edu by December 14th to secure your access to Top Hat Test.
If you need assistance with setting up a Top Hat demo, scheduling a meeting with Nic, or have any questions please reach out to any of our Teaching & Learning with Technology team members. We are happy to help.
https://www.ithaca.edu/intercom/article.php/20181115120655299