Six years ago, the physics department began using a wire-based system called Classtalk that allowed each student to respond to multiple choice questions during class by using a calculator. But recently, physics professor Charles Chiu has introduced the Classroom Performance System, which uses remote controls.

"This was a chance to try something that allowed you to make a mid-course correction if the students aren't understanding," said Jack Turner, a physics professor who used Classtalk for years and last year switched to the newer Classroom Performance System. "I could tell at a glance how the students were doing."

Chiu began researching wireless systems to replace Classtalk in 2001, finally settling on CPS, which uses infrared technology to alleviate many of the problems of the old system.

"In a large classroom, a good student essentially comes to take notes," Chiu said.

Teachers often use questions as a way to break up presentations and involve students. The problem, Chiu said, is that often, only the front row of students answers the questions.

Wiring a single room to use the old Classtalk system cost $20,000, he said, so only two rooms in Painter Hall are wired. The cost to students was also high, requiring each to buy an expensive calculator to use the system.

Chiu said each question in Classtalk took roughly two minutes of class time, leaving time for only two or three questions per class. CPS is faster, allowing Chiu to ask four or five questions per class.

CPS is also 10 times cheaper. The hardware costs the University $1,000 for each room, and students spend roughly $15 on a remote control to interact with the system, instead of around $100 per calculator.

Because of the lower cost and greater convenience, the year-and-a-half-old CPS program is already far more widespread than its predecessor. This fall, professors of biology, computer science and even English plan to integrate CPS into their teaching.

Turner and Chiu have both surveyed their classes, receiving mostly positive reactions to the new system.

In Chiu's survey more than 80 percent said CPS helped them pay closer attention in class, and more than half believed that increased the instructor's awareness of the class' comprehension.

"You kinda get a feel for where the class is," said Travis Irby, a kinesiology junior.

Students can compare themselves to classmates using CPS results posted after each class.

"It makes you pay attention more," said Matthew Abate, a pre-pharmacy sophomore.