The use of electronic voting systems to engage students in outreach activities

This paper discusses the use of electronic voting systems specifically in a range of outreach contexts. The Department of Chemistry at the University of Reading and the School of Chemistry at the University of Southampton are actively involved in delivering outreach activities at primary and secondary school level with a view to inspiring a new generation of budding chemists. Voting systems are successful in engaging students across all age groups as demonstrated by our experiences with youngsters aged 4 to 18. They are especially effective at breaking down the barriers of non communication thrown up by students when faced with a difficult question and encouraging the participation of even the most reticent teenager.