Explore the relationship of student engagement and personal characteristics in use of the instant response system in higher education

This pilot study investigated the levels of student engagement in the use of the instant response system and its relationship with their individual characteristics including learning styles, personality traits, and locus of control. Twenty-five undergraduate students in Taiwan participated in the study. Data were collected through a few survey instruments. The results indicated that the students had above-average levels of engagement when the instructor used the instant response system in class. A few constructs of learning styles and personality traits were significantly related to the levels of student engagement. The locus of control had no relationship with any type of the engagement. It is hoped the findings can help educators understand who would be more engaged when the instructors adopt interactive technology in classrooms.