Promethean 006 ACTIVote handheld transceiver User Manual Interactive
Promethean Ltd ACTIVote handheld transceiver Interactive
Contents
- 1. User Manual
- 2. User Guide
User Guide
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PC version
US Edition
TP-1430-US
Issue 3
ACTIVote
User Guide
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All rights reserved
All information contained in this document is subject to change without notice.
Any use of the contents of this User Manual other than for the purpose intended requires
express written permission of Promethean Technologies Group Ltd.
All trademarks noted with the ™ mark are the properties of their respective companies.
NOTE: All utility and driver software provided to operate ACTIV products is the property of
Promethean. Use of this software is granted for the purpose of installation, set up and
operation of ACTIV products and the standard feature set outlined in this guide. Promethean
does not encourage or authorize any other use.
Additional application software is provided from time to time as a service to our customers.
This software is licensed to the end user by the supplier. Use, possession and upgrades are the
responsibility of that supplier. Registered owners of Promethean product should contact those
suppliers directly for support.
© Copyright Promethean Technologies Group Ltd 2005
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Table of Contents
ACTIVote ..........................................................................................1
Concept.........................................................................................1
What's New .......................................................................................2
ACTIVote.......................................................................................2
Question Master .............................................................................2
Question Library .............................................................................2
User Database................................................................................2
Getting Help ......................................................................................3
User Guides on product CD ..............................................................3
Help System ..................................................................................3
User Forums ..................................................................................3
Contacting Promethean....................................................................4
Promethean address....................................................................4
Website .....................................................................................4
Telephone Numbers.....................................................................4
Fax Number................................................................................4
Email.........................................................................................4
Registration.......................................................................................5
About Registering the ACTIVote Devices.............................................5
Register ACTIVote Devices ...............................................................5
Channels and Board ID ................................................................6
Registering Devices .....................................................................7
Naming your ACTIVote devices......................................................7
Adding Further Devices ................................................................8
Removing Devices.......................................................................8
Battery Low Warning ...................................................................8
Exiting the Device Registration Program .........................................8
Device Testing................................................................................9
Undetected Devices .....................................................................9
Battery Low Warning ...................................................................9
User Device Allocation ...................................................................10
Start a Named Mode session.......................................................10
Select the User Database ...........................................................11
Select User Names ....................................................................11
Select User Names for Registered Devices ....................................12
Allocate Devices........................................................................14
Battery Low Indicator ................................................................16
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Exiting the program...................................................................16
Device Maintenance ......................................................................17
Changing batteries in a device that has been registered..................17
How do I know which device entry needs to be removed? ...............17
Replace Batteries ......................................................................17
ACTIVote Modes...............................................................................18
Demo Mode using adhoc question ...................................................18
Anonymous Mode using adhoc Question...........................................18
Named Mode Using adhoc Question.................................................19
Demo Mode using a Prepared Question ............................................21
Anonymous Mode using a Prepared Question ....................................21
Named Mode using a Prepared Question...........................................22
About the Timeout Bar ......................................................................23
Question Master...............................................................................24
Device Type.................................................................................24
Quick Guide .................................................................................24
Step 1 - Set Title Page...................................................................25
Step 2 - Set Questions ..................................................................25
Step 3 - Flipchart Options ..............................................................27
Style .......................................................................................27
Font ........................................................................................27
Color .......................................................................................27
Size.........................................................................................27
Step 4 - Create Flipchart................................................................28
Question Types.............................................................................28
Text only Questions...................................................................28
Image Questions.......................................................................29
Text with Image Questions .........................................................30
Question Library...............................................................................32
Add Question from Library .............................................................32
Add Question to Question Library....................................................33
Deleting Questions From Your Source File ........................................33
Random Generation of Questions ....................................................33
Saving Your Question Master Source File..........................................34
Opening a Question Master Source File ............................................35
Starting a New Question Master Source File......................................35
Maintain Question Library ..............................................................36
Maintaining the Question Library .................................................36
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Creating Categories ...................................................................36
Adding Questions to Categories...................................................37
Sort Questions in Library............................................................37
Add to Library...........................................................................37
Import Questions from CSV File...................................................38
Remove Question from Question Library.......................................39
Edit Question in Library..............................................................39
Save a Copy of the Question Library ............................................41
Merge Question Library ..............................................................41
Exit Library...............................................................................42
Altering Question Order .................................................................42
Altering Answer Order ...................................................................42
Adjusting line width.......................................................................43
Exiting Question Master .................................................................44
User Database .................................................................................44
Add Users to Database ..................................................................45
Description Field...........................................................................46
Deleting Users from Database.........................................................46
Editing Existing User Details ...........................................................46
Changing your mind ..................................................................47
Define Groups ..............................................................................47
Add Users to Groups .....................................................................48
Removing Users from a Group ........................................................49
Copying Users Between Folders ......................................................49
Saving User Database ...................................................................50
Importing User Details...................................................................51
Example: .................................................................................51
Procedure: ...............................................................................51
Sorting Your User Database............................................................53
Exiting User Database ...................................................................54
Graphical Output..............................................................................54
Demo Mode Graph Output..............................................................54
Anonymous Mode Graph Output......................................................55
adhoc Question.........................................................................55
Prepared Question.....................................................................56
Named Mode Graph Output............................................................56
adhoc Question.........................................................................56
Prepared Question.....................................................................57
Generate Overall Scores Graph.......................................................57
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View Response Times ....................................................................58
Summary Graph ...........................................................................59
View ACTIVote Results...................................................................60
Prepared Question Flipchart........................................................60
adhoc Question Flipchart ............................................................60
Saving Your Results...................................................................60
Exporting Results .............................................................................60
Exporting Text Results...................................................................60
Exporting ACTIVote Results to Excel ................................................61
ACTIVote Options.............................................................................61
Display results..............................................................................61
Automatic page advance................................................................61
ACTIVote User Database................................................................61
Adhoc/demo mode........................................................................62
Question timeout.......................................................................62
Apply timeout to prepared questions............................................62
Results to new Flipchart page......................................................62
Fullscreen snapshot (ACTIVstudio only) ........................................62
Answers ......................................................................................62
Take users first answer only .......................................................62
Allow users to alter their answer..................................................62
Display names ..........................................................................62
Fill in.......................................................................................62
Question Flipcharts...........................................................................63
Update Thumbnails...........................................................................64
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ACTIVote User Guide
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ACTIVote
Concept
The purpose of ACTIVote is to generate user response via the ACTIV board
when called upon to do so by the presenter. It gives instant feedback on user
performance. Questions can be prepared using the Question Master software,
alternatively you may ask adhoc questions. Both of which can receive
feedback. Feedback can be displayed in various formats immediately on screen
or may be exported to a spreadsheet for further analysis.
There are several modes available when using the ACTIVote tool. The simplest
mode is the Demo mode where you use simulated devices to practice using the
program. Anonymous mode requires that physical devices are registered to the
ACTIV board and then any registered device can be used by any user. Named
mode is the most complex and offers the most features in terms of feedback on
user response. This mode not only requires that devices are registered with the
ACTIV board but that each user is allocated a specific device.
The following is a list of modes available:
• Ask an adhoc question using Anonymous mode
• Ask a prepared question using Anonymous mode
• Ask an adhoc question using Named mode
• Ask a prepared question using Named mode
• Ask an adhoc question using Demo mode (for training use only)
• Ask a prepared question using Demo mode (for training use only)
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What's New
ACTIVote
View the response times to questions by each individual.
Temporarily pause the timeout for further explanations or adhoc discussion.
Overwrite the timeout of prepared questions to ensure continuity during an
ACTIVote session, by altering the timeout option in the ACTIVote Settings.
Question Master
Select a background style from your Shared Resource Library.
Define a font style and color for your question and answer text.
Open question flipcharts from and save question flipcharts to your
Resource Library.
Question Library
Open a question library or save changes to your question library in your
Resource Library.
Type your questions and answers into a text file and import the text file
into the question library.
User Database
Open an alternative User Database file.
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Getting Help
You can find more information about using ACTIVote in the following resources.
User Guides on product CD
You can find information about ACTIV products in the User Guides, which can
be accessed from the Product CD.
If Auto Play is enabled on your PC, the main menu screen will automatically
appear. If this menu does not automatically appear, choose Run from the
Start menu. In the Run dialog box, type the drive letter that contains the CD
and type \Menu.exe. For example d:\Menu.exe.
Click on the documentation icon to access the product user
guides.
Help System
ACTIVote includes complete documentation on all of the tools and features in
this accessible help system.
The help opens in a new window. The format is designed to allow easy
navigation so you can view each topic using the contents list, or find
information about a specific topic by using the index or search options.
User Forums
The User Forum is an interactive online resource, where you can post
discussion topics and share information surrounding the use of ACTIV products
with other users around the world. It provides additional support from your
peers and allows you to combine knowledge, skills and inspiration so you get
the most out of your ACTIV products. The Forum is moderated by product
experts who can offer guidance, solutions and answer your product related
questions.
We invite all new users to register and become members of our growing online
community. You are encouraged to join and visit the forum regularly for news
about updates to the ACTIV range of products, software and resources. Visit
the forum
http://www.prometheanworld.com/common/html/vb_forum/index.php
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Contacting Promethean
Promethean
address 8601 Dunwoody Place, Suite 108, Atlanta, GA 30350
Website
www.prometheanworld.com
Available from the website:
• Notification of related products or software
releases
• Free upgrades or revisions to keep you
informed of the latest features
• Access to the User Forum
• Helpful resources and education material for
you to download
• Links to useful websites
Technical Support
http://www.prometheanworld.com/uk/html/
customer_care/contact.shtml
Telephone
Numbers
Switchboard 888-652-2848
Technical Support 678 762-1500
Fax Number 678-762-7700
Email For more information about Promethean products:
info@us.prometheanworld.com
Send an email to Technical Support:
support@us.prometheanworld.com
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ACTIVote User Guide
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Registration
About Registering the ACTIVote Devices
Your ACTIVote devices work by sending radio signals to and receiving them
from your ACTIV board. Therefore it is essential that before you can start using
the ACTIVote devices you must register their existence with the ACTIV board in
the room that they will be used. Once the devices are registered they can then
be used by your audience for the purpose of answering questions.
Prior to registering your ACTIVote devices it is essential that the ACTIV board is
switched on and attached to the computer as per the recommendations
contained in the ACTIV board user manual.
Note: You only need to register your devices once, once registered
they are ready to use in any of the ACTIVote modes. It is not
necessary to register your devices each time you change mode.
It is however necessary to re-register devices if you change
channels (see below) or if you have to replace the batteries in a
device.
Register ACTIVote Devices
Note: Before you can use ACTIVote in Anonymous Mode or Named
Mode, you must register the ACTIVote devices.
To register your ACTIVote devices you must run the Device Registration
program:
Click on Menu > ACTIVote > Devices
Note: If you are running ACTIVprimary, first click on the Teacher Tools
Menu button so you can access Menu > ACTIVote > Devices.
You will see the Device Registration program.
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Initially there will be no devices registered and the list will be empty.
First, click on the drop down arrow and select the country in which you are
using ACTIVote. When you select a country, the software will check your
hardware to ensure that it is approved for use in your selected country. If
permitted, you can then continue with registering your ACTIVote devices. If
your hardware and software combination is not permitted, a warning will be
displayed and you will be blocked from using ACTIVote. In this case, or if your
country does not appear in the list, contact Technical Support for advice.
Channels and Board ID
Because ACTIVote uses radio signals, it is possible for the system to receive
data from other ACTIVote systems in close proximity. A typical scenario would
be two adjacent rooms, each containing an ACTIV board and ACTIVote devices.
In this situation you would not want the ACTIVote devices in the first room to
interfere with the system in the second room (and vice versa).
In order to prevent radio interference between systems, the Device
Registration program provides two settings:
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Channel – This allows you to set ACTIVote devices to use one of three unique
channels.
Board ID – This allows you to set the ACTIV board to be defined with one of 99
unique ID numbers.
Therefore with systems in close proximity, you should set the channel and
Board ID to different values in each room. Continuing with our example, you
could set the following values:
Room 1 : Channel = 1 and Board ID = 1
Room 2 : Channel = 2 and Board ID = 2
Whilst potential interference problems are negligible when systems are over 20
meters apart, it is good practice to always set different board IDs and channel
numbers for ACTIVote systems within the same building.
Registering Devices
Once you have chosen the appropriate channel and board ID, perform the
following:
Click on the Register button.
The registration button of the ACTIVote image will flash with a yellow border to
indicate that the program is now waiting for you to register the first device.
The top row of the list will highlight in red, this indicates that the ACTIV board
is in registration mode and is searching for signals from any ACTIVote device.
Take the first ACTIVote device and depress the Registration button, hold it
down until you see the red LED flash briefly followed by a longer intermittent
flash from the green LED. You will see the ACTIVote device has been registered
and allocated a device name. The red highlight has moved down a line, waiting
for the next device to be registered.
Repeat the above procedure for each device you wish to register.
Once you have successfully registered all devices click on the Stop button.
Naming your ACTIVote devices
Each device is automatically given a Device
Name (A1, A2, A3 etc). It is possible to assign
any name you wish to each device. These names
will be used later within the software in
Anonymous mode and are an easy way for you
to monitor which devices are registered.
Note: It is NOT possible to have NO Device
name.
Click into the Device Name field and type in a
suitable name that would uniquely identify the
device.
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Adding Further Devices
It possible at any time to return to the Device Registration program and click
once more on the Register button. Follow the procedure outlined above to add
more devices to the list.
Removing Devices
It is possible to remove selected devices or all devices from the list. To remove
all devices click on the Remove All button. To remove selected devices simply
highlight the devices you wish to remove and click the Remove button.
Battery Low Warning
When you register a device, the software interrogates each device to ascertain
the power level of the batteries powering the device. If a device reports back
that the batteries are low then the software will display a warning:
If this occurs you are recommended to physically remove the device from use
until the batteries have been replaced. In addition remove the registration
information for that particular device by selecting the device name in the list
and clicking on the Remove button.
Please refer to the Device Maintenance section for further details on battery
replacement.
Exiting the Device Registration Program
Click onto the OK button
The device registration file will be recorded.
If you try to exit the device registration program by clicking the Cancel button,
you will be prompted to save the registration information.
Choose Yes to record the registration information. The program will now close
and the ACTIVote devices are ready for anonymous mode. If you do not wish
to record the changes you have made then press No, the program will close.
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Device Testing
The Device Registration program also has a test facility. This is useful at the
beginning of the day to check that all devices are functioning correctly and in
addition have sufficient power levels.
To test your registered devices run the device registration program once more:
Click on Menu > ACTIVote > Devices
Note: If you are running ACTIVprimary, first click on the Teacher Tools
Menu button so you can access Menu > ACTIVote > Devices.
Click on the Test button
All registered devices in the list will highlight in red, we recommend that you
take one device at a time. Press one of the keypad letters in order to send a
signal to the ACTIV board. Once the signal is received the red highlight for the
device will turn off and display in white. If at the end of testing any devices are
still highlighted in red then they have not successfully communicated with the
ACTIV board.
Click on the End Test button if all devices tested OK you will be returned to
the Device Registration program. You may now exit by clicking the OK button.
Undetected Devices
If you have devices that failed the test then you will receive a warning. The
warning advises you that one or more devices remained undetected and asks
you if you would like to remove those devices from the list.
Click Yes to remove the undetected devices from the list
Click No to leave the undetected devices in the list
Battery Low Warning
When you test a device the software interrogates each device to ascertain the
power level of the batteries powering the device. If a device reports back that
the batteries are low then the software will display a warning:
If this occurs you should remove the device from use until the batteries have
been replaced. In addition, remove the registration information for that
particular device by selecting the device name in the list and clicking on the
Remove button.
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User Device Allocation
Note: Before you can use ACTIVote in Named Mode, you must add your
users to the User Database so you can allocate a user to each
ACTIVote device.
The following procedure assumes that the All Users folder, created during
installation, is intact.
Start a Named Mode session
Click on Menu > ACTIVote > Session.
Note: If you are running ACTIVprimary, first click on the Teacher Tools
Menu button so you can access Menu > ACTIVote > Session.
You will be presented with the ACTIVote Session Program:
When you do this for the first time there will
not be any ACTIVote devices allocated to
Users. You need to click onto the Users...
button to associate each member belonging
to one of your ACTIVote groups with the
ACTIVote devices.
Note: For purposes of training, if a
group already exists and is listed,
continue with the following
procedure to learn how to
associate users with devices.
Click on the Users.. button now.
You will see the User Device Allocation program:
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Select the User Database
The User Device Allocation program automatically opens the default User
Database, as specified in the ACTIVote Settings.
To open an alternative User Database, click on the Open button then navigate
to the required .udb file. Click on the filename to select it, then click Open to
open the User Database file, or Cancel to use the User Database which is
currently open.
Select User Names
If you are using the default database, the All Users folder will be automatically
selected in the Folder list. This is a folder containing lots of typical names that
you can choose for your voting activities until you construct your own.
Alternatively, if you have already constructed a folder of names, you can
choose a different folder by clicking on the Folder down arrow and selecting a
name from the list.
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Note: If you have selected an alternative folder, it may contain a list of
names within a series of sub folders. In this case, click on the
Sub Folder down arrow to see a list of names contained in that
sub folder.
Select User Names for Registered Devices
If the folder list contains the same amount of names as devices registered,
click on the Select Group button. All names in the folder list will be added to
User Name list. Example:
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To add individual names to the list, highlight the user you want to add then
click on the Select button to add the user. You can also use the Shift and
Ctrl keys to select a group of user names in the folder list. Example:
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Use the Clear Users button to remove all users from the allocation list.
You may use the Absent column to exclude a user who is unable to participate
with the group. This facility allows you to select whole groups from your User
Database and selectively remove those that may be absent. To declare
someone absent, click into the Absent column for the user name to mark the
column with a cross.
Allocate Devices
Once a User Name list has been created you now need to allocate devices to
each of the users in your list.
Click on the Allocate Devices button. The screen will update to display the
User Name list with a unique three letter code displayed at the side of each
User.
It is now up to each user to enter their associated code on their ACTIVote
device. All users may submit this at the same time, there is no need to do this
one at a time.
You will also notice the following instruction dialog:
You may close this window if it is in the way of the User Names. Otherwise
leave it displayed for instructional purposes.
1. Ask each user to press and hold down the orange Register button on
their device until both red and green LED lights indicate on their device.
Remember that the devices use radio frequencies and do not need to be
pointed towards the ACTIV Board.
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2. Each User must now enter their three letter code which is displayed at
the side of their name.
Sequence: There is a feedback sequence that will occur via the LED lights
located on the ACTIVote device.
User enters first letter - Red light goes out, Green is still on
User enters second letter - Red light comes on, Green goes out
User enters third letter - Red light goes out, Green light flashes then goes out
At the end of this sequence the User Name will update in the software program
and display in green to indicate that the device has been allocated successfully
to the user.
If the User name remains red then the device has not been allocated correctly -
this is usually due to mis-keying letters. Ask the user to try once more taking
care to follow the correct procedure and key in the correct letters.
POINT TO CONSIDER
If someone enters a code by mistake, that has already been allocated to a
different user then two things will occur:
• The user who just submitted the code will not be successful and their
User Name will remain highlighted in red.
• The user who already entered that code successfully will no longer be
associated with that device and their User Name will revert to red once
more.
This is open to misuse of course in that a malicious user may purposely 'wipe
out' another users device allocation. More probably it could happen if a user
misreads his/her code by mistake.
If this happens then both users must re-enter their correct codes.
Once all users have successfully entered their codes you need to click on the
Back button located at the lower right hand corner of the screen. You will be
returned to the initial view of the Device Allocation program.
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The Device list will now show that, in this example four people successfully
registered their three letter code and a device is now allocated to each of those
users. This information will now be used by ACTIVote to display the user name,
when that person takes part in an ACTIVote Named Mode Session.
Battery Low Indicator
If you notice whilst users are keying in their three letter codes that a User
Name has been allocated successfully but in addition to the User Name cell
turning green you also notice the Low Battery Warning indicator against a
User Name. This is informing you that the batteries in the ACTIVote device are
nearly exhausted.
This warning will also appear in the listing of Allocated devices:
The device will probably work satisfactorily for that particular session and we
recommend that the device is used in this session. However, you should
change the batteries in the device before the next session.
See Device Maintenance for details of what to do if a registered ACTIVote
device requires new batteries. It is important to follow the procedure outlined
in this section to correctly re-register the device.
Exiting the program
Click on the Exit button to conduct a Named Mode Session, asking questions
using adhoc Mode or using Prepared Question Mode.
If you elect to exit the User-Device Allocation program by clicking on the
Cancel button you will be prompted to save the changes you have made.
Click Yes to save the Device registration file and exit the program.
Click No to exit the program without saving any changes you have made.
Click Cancel to return to the User Device Allocation program.
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Device Maintenance
Changing batteries in a device that has been registered.
When you remove batteries from an ACTIVote device it will lose the settings it
stores within the device, and the device will need to be registered with the
system once more. Before you replace the batteries, it is recommended that
you remove the existing registration details for this device from the Device
Registration program.
How do I know which device entry needs to be removed?
To be absolutely sure you should use the Test routine. Open the Device
Registration program:
Click on Menu > ACTIVote > Devices.
Note: If you are running ACTIVprimary, first click on the Teacher Tools
Menu button so you can access Menu > ACTIVote > Devices.
Click the Test button, then press one of the keypad buttons on the device you
suspect has low battery power.
Assuming the device communicates with the program, it will turn off the red
highlight for that particular device, it will also report back that the battery level
is low.
Stop the test by clicking on the End Test button, You will receive a warning
dialog, click No to leave the undetected devices in the list.
Highlight the entry for that particular device which should be the only one
reporting (Battery Low) then click on the Remove button. This device will now
be removed from the list of registered devices.
Replace Batteries
Now that you have removed the registration entry for the device that reported
a Low Battery you may now change the batteries.
When replacement of the batteries is necessary, remove the anti tamper screw
with the tool provided. Carefully slide the carriage out of the main ACTIVote
body. Remove the old batteries and replace with 3 new AAA alkaline cells.
Observe the battery icons on the carriage which indicate which way the
batteries should be inserted. Slide the carriage back into the main body and
gently tighten the anti tamper screw.
To re-register the device containing the new batteries, click on the Register
button in the Device Registration program. For full information on registering
devices see the Register ACTIVote Devices section.
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ACTIVote Modes
Demo Mode using adhoc question
You may use Demo Mode along with the concept of the adhoc question.
The term 'adhoc' is used to represent 'on the spur of the moment' questions.
For example you may think of a question whilst half way through a
presentation. At this point, you could either ask the question to your audience
or write it on a Flipchart page. The system has been designed to easily
accommodate the asking of such adhoc questions.
1. Click on Menu > ACTIVote > Session.
Note: If you are running ACTIVprimary, first click on the Teacher Tools
Menu button so you can access Menu > ACTIVote > Session.
2. Choose Demo Mode.
3. Click in the box and type in the
number of 'assumed' devices you
require
4. Click on the OK button
To use this feature, Turn to a new Flipchart
Page and either ask your audience a
question and give possible answers verbally
or write the question and possible answers
onto a new Flipchart Page using the
ACTIVpen.
5. When ready to accept your audience response, click on the ACTIVote
tool button. The timeout bar will appear.
Anonymous Mode using adhoc Question
Note: You must have done the following before you can use this
ACTIVote mode:
1. You must have registered your ACTIVote devices.
You may use Anonymous Mode along with the concept of the adhoc question.
The term 'adhoc' is used to represent 'on the spur of the moment' questions.
For example you may think of a question whilst half way through a
presentation. At this point, you could either ask the question to your audience
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or write it on a Flipchart Page. The system has been designed to easily
accommodate the asking of such adhoc questions.
To use this feature, open a new Flipchart Page then ask your audience a
question and give possible answers either verbally or by manually writing the
question and possible answers onto the new Flipchart Page using the ACTIVpen
(recommended).
Procedure:
1. Click on Menu > ACTIVote > Session.
Note: If you are running ACTIVprimary, first click on the Teacher Tools
Menu button so you can access Menu > ACTIVote > Session.
You will be presented with the ACTIVote Session Program:
2. Choose Anonymous Mode, select
the number of devices to use (i.e. one
per user) then click the OK button.
The ACTIVote session program will
close.
3. Ask Your adhoc question or write your
adhoc question on the current
Flipchart Page using the Pen Tool.
4. Click on the ACTIVote tool button.
You will see the timeout bar appear
at the top of the screen.
Named Mode Using adhoc Question
Note: You must have done the following before you can use this
ACTIVote mode:
1. You must have registered your ACTIVote devices.
2. You must add users to the User Database in order that you
can choose them from the user group selection screen,
however a sample group is provided for training purposes.
3. You must have allocated ACTIVote Devices
You may use Named Mode along with the concept of the adhoc question.
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The term 'adhoc' is used to represent 'on the spur of the moment' questions.
For example you may think of a question whilst half way through a
presentation. At this point, you could either ask the question to your audience
or write it on a Flipchart Page. The system has been designed to easily
accommodate the asking of such adhoc questions.
If you require feedback on how individual users voted you will need to switch
to Named mode.
Procedure:
1. Click on Menu > ACTIVote > Session.
Note: If you are running ACTIVprimary, first click on the Teacher Tools
Menu button so you can access Menu > ACTIVote > Session.
You will be presented with the ACTIVote Session Program:
2. Click on Named Mode
Your current users should be
listed since you were asked at
the beginning of this section to
register users. If your current
users are not listed then refer to
the section on Allocating
Devices.
3. Click the OK button.
4. Turn to a new Flipchart
Page then either ask your
adhoc question or write
your adhoc question on
the current Flipchart Page
using the Pen Tool.
5. When ready to accept the
response tell your users
to observe the ACTIV
board and click once on
the ACTIVote tool button.
The timeout bar will appear at the top of the screen.
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Demo Mode using a Prepared Question
Note: You must have done the following before you can use this
ACTIVote mode:
1. You must have created your Flipchart containing your
questions. You can use the Question Master program to do
this.
Procedure:
1. Open the Flipchart containing your questions.
2. You will automatically be asked to
choose the type of ACTIVote session
you require, choose Demo.
3. Click in the box and type in the
number of 'assumed' devices you
require
4. Click on the OK button
5. Turn to the first question page and
when ready click once on the
ACTIVote tool button.
You will see the timeout bar appear at the top of the screen.
Anonymous Mode using a Prepared Question
Note: You must have done the following before you can use this
ACTIVote mode:
1. You must have registered your ACTIVote devices.
2. You must have created your Flipchart containing your
questions. You can use the Question Master program to do
this.
Procedure:
1. Open the Flipchart containing your questions.
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2. You will automatically be asked to
choose the type of ACTIVote session
you require, choose Anonymous.
3. Select the number of devices you will
use (i.e. one per user).
4. Click on the OK button.
5. If you elected to have a title page in
your question Flipchart then this page
will be displayed now.
This is your cue to introduce your
question paper and give any
instructions you feel are necessary.
6. Turn to the first question page.
Give your users appropriate reading time, then to instigate the response
click once on the ACTIVote tool button.
The timeout bar will be displayed.
Named Mode using a Prepared Question
Note: You must have done the following before you can use this
ACTIVote mode:
1. You must have registered your ACTIVote devices
2. You must add users to the User Database in order that you
can choose them from the user group selection screen,
however a sample group is provided for training purposes.
3. You must have allocated ACTIVote Devices
4. You must have created your Flipchart containing your
questions. You can use the Question Master program to do
this.
If you require feedback on how individual users answered on your question
Flipchart you will need to switch to Named mode.
Procedure:
1. Open the Flipchart containing your questions.
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You will automatically be asked
to choose the type of ACTIVote
session you require - choose
Named
Your current users should be
listed since you were asked at
the beginning of this section to
register users. If your current
users are not listed then refer to
the section on Allocating
devices.
Click the OK button
2. If you elected to have a
title page in your
Question Flipchart then
this page will be displayed
now.
This is your cue to introduce your
question paper and give any
instructions you feel are
necessary.
3. Turn to the first question
page
Give your users appropriate reading time, then click once on the ACTIVote tool
button.
The timeout bar will be displayed.
About the Timeout Bar
When ready to accept your audience response, click on the ACTIVote tool
button to display the timeout bar.
After a few seconds the timeout bar will say Answer Now and will start to
shrink, indicating the time remaining:
Click on the Pause button to temporarily pause the countdown. The
symbol on the button will change . Click on this button once more to
restart the countdown.
The timeout bar will remain on screen until one of the following occur:
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1. The ACTIV board has accepted all responses from your audience,
whereupon it will disappear from the screen.
2. The timer has timed out having accepted all responses received within
the set timeout period. Whereupon it will disappear from the screen.
3. It has received no responses, whereupon the message No answers
received! will appear.
4. All simulated responses have been received (Demo Mode ).
Once ACTIVote has accepted all responses it will automatically display the
results in the form of a graph, see:
Demo Mode Graph Output
Anonymous Mode Graph Output
Named Mode Graph Output
Change how ACTIVote behaves by altering the ACTIVote settings, see the
ACTIVote Options section for more information.
Question Master
In addition to asking adhoc questions it is also possible to pre-prepare one or
more questions and store them in a Flipchart for subsequent presentation. To
simplify the task of preparing Flipchart questions, you can use the Question
Master software.
1. Click on Menu > ACTIVote > Question Master.
Note: If you are running ACTIVprimary, first click on the Teacher Tools
Menu button so you can access Menu > ACTIVote > Question
Master.
You will be presented with the Question Master program.
Device Type
The ACTIVote device type you are using will be auto-detected, so that the
software imaging and procedures will reflect the devices you have. In addition,
the correct help file will be loaded to suit your device type.
Quick Guide
The Question Master program uses the following procedure to create a question
Flipchart.
First Check device type and select the appropriate radio button then:
Step 1 Set Title Page
Step 2 Set Questions
Step 3 Flipchart Options
Step 4 Create Flipchart
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Once you have created your Flipchart you may wish to save the source file you
have just been working on. This is a separate step from creating and saving
the Flipchart.
Step 1 - Set Title Page
You can elect to include a title page or not, the default is that a title page will
be included. If you wish to include a title page, click in the Title text box and
type in a suitable heading representing the topic of your Flipchart questions.
Now click into the Description text box to provide a suitable description for
your question paper. You may choose to type instructions here for users
undertaking your test. Having done this a Checkmark will appear next to the
Set Title Page step. A Checkmark is used to indicate the steps you have
completed.
If you do not require a title page, click onto the check box that is labeled Add
Title Page to remove the Checkmark. The text input boxes will be grayed out
and a tick will appear in the Set Title Page step to indicate that the step is
complete.
Click the Next> button to progress to step 2.
Step 2 - Set Questions
1. The cursor will ready for you to type in your first question. Otherwise,
click on the New Question button to add a new question.
2. Now choose the Question Type. Choose one of the following question
types:
3. Choose the Correct Answer by clicking on the down arrow and choose
the corresponding letter for the correct answer. This will be used by the
output graph to indicate the correct answer. You can omit this stage if
you wish to manually chose the correct answer when providing feedback
to your users, or if the question does not have a correct answer.
4. You may specify a Timeout by selecting the checkbox then entering a
time in seconds into the text box that appears. Each question can have
the same or a different timeout value. If you elect not to use the
timeout feature then you will need to click on the ACTIVote stop button
to manually end the timeout period.
5. Next Select a Layout. Choose from the following layout types:
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Short Question - Long Answers
Long Question - Short Answers
Short Question - Image with optional label Answers
Long Question - Image with optional label Answers
Short Question + Medium Image - Short Answer
Long Question + Large Image - Short Answer
It is possible to alter the Layout of a question at any time without losing
your answers.
4. If you would like to use the same layout for all of your questions, select
the Use this layout for all questions checkbox. This eliminates the
need to manually select the layout you require each time.
5. If you chose a multiple choice type question as your question type,
enter your possible answers to the current question by typing each
answer in the text boxes of the Answers column.
Note: Depending upon the Question type and Layout chosen you will
need to type in the answer and, if an image layout is chosen,
select suitable images that go with your questions. See how to
insert images in the topic about Image Questions and Text with
image Questions topics.
Having finished inputting Question 1 you may now add new questions by
clicking on the New Question button. When you have inputted all your
questions, click on the Next> button to move onto Step 3.
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Step 3 - Flipchart Options
Having input all of your questions you can now choose a style for your
Question Flipchart and also the screen resolution that it will be created in.
Style
This option allows you to output your Question Flipchart in a variety of styles
from very simple black on white to detailed texture rich backgrounds.
The program points to a folder called Question Master, located in your shared
backgrounds folder. This gives you a greater choice of styles because it allows
you to choose from any background which has been placed in this folder. When
you have selected a background, it will be tiled to fit the page if it is smaller
than the page.
You can choose not to apply a background style, in which case your page will
contain a plain white background instead.
Font
Select a specific font to use in your Question and Answer text by clicking on the
drop down arrow and selecting a font from the list.
Color
To select a color for your Question and Answer text, click on the color box and
select or create a color from the Windows Color Palette.
Size
You can increase or decrease the relative sizes of the Question and Answer text
size, use the up or down arrows to change the font size as you require. The
range is from 20/18 point size 28/26 point size.
Click on the Next> button to proceed to Step 4.
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Step 4 - Create Flipchart
Having entered your questions and possible answers, using the layout and
styles of your choice, it is now time to output this as a Question Flipchart.
Clicking onto the Create Flipchart tab will open up the Create Flipchart dialog.
This points to the Flipchart resources folder in your personal Resource Library.
Type in a suitable file name reflecting the type of questions you have used then
click on the Save button.
At this stage you can leave the Question Master open and switch to the
program to view your generated Question Flipchart. Open the Question
Flipchart like you would for a normal Flipchart.
Refer to the appropriate ACTIVote mode to read about using a prepared
Question Flipchart.
Click on the Exit button to close Question Master program, or click on
Maintain Library to open the Question Library.
When you exit Question Master you will be asked to save your Question Master
Source File. See Saving your Question Master Source File for more
information.
Question Types
Text only Questions
There are two text layouts you can apply within the Question Master program.
Layout 1 Short Question - Long Answers
This question style is used where your answers may require more
detail
This type of question requires you to input your question and
choose the question type (i.e. multiple choice, yes/no, or
true/false). If you choose a multiple choice question type you will
need to type in your possible answers. Select the correct answer
from the drop down list.
Layout 2 Long Question - Short Answers
This question style is used where your answers may require less
detail
This type of question requires you to input your question and
choose the question type (i.e. multiple choice, yes/no, or
true/false). If you chose a multiple choice question type you will
need to type in your possible answers. Select the correct answer
from the drop down list.
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Image Questions
There are two image layouts you can use within the Question Master program.
Layout 3 Short Question - Image with optional label Answers
This question style is used where your answers require the use of
images.
This type of question requires you to input your question and
choose the question type (i.e. multiple choice, yes/no, or
true/false). If you choose a multiple choice question type you will
need to type in your possible answers.
You also need to locate appropriate images for each possible
answer.
To locate an image click in the image field and then click on the
Browse ‘...’ button
You will be presented with the Select Image File dialog. This
points to the images folder in your personal Resource Library.
Highlight the image you require and click the Open button, you
will see a thumbnail of your selected image appear.
Note: When you include images with your Question Master
files, you are loading the location reference only into
Question Master, not the image itself. If the image is
subsequently moved or deleted then the reference to
the image will be lost.
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You are advised to copy all images used in your
Question Flipcharts into a known place in your
Resource Library, to prevent such an occurrence. The
Flipchart itself will still contain all images since
copies of the images are embedded into the Flipchart.
Select the correct answer from the drop down list.
Layout 4 Long Question - Image with optional label Answers
This question type is the same as above except that you have
much more space for a longer question, and the images are
displayed at the side of the question.
Text with Image Questions
There are two text with image layouts you can apply within the Question
Master program.
Layout 5 Short Question + Medium Image - Short Answer
This question style is used where your question is to be supported
by the use of an image
This type of question requires you to input your question and
choose the question type (i.e. multiple choice, yes/no, or
true/false). If you choose a multiple choice question type you will
need to type in your possible answers.
You also need to locate an appropriate image to support your
question.
To locate an image click in the image field and then click on the
Browse button.
You will be presented with the Select Image File dialog. This
points to the images folder in your personal Resource Library.
Highlight the image you require and click the Open button, you
will see a thumbnail of your selected image appear:
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Note: When you include images with your Question Master
files, you are loading the location reference only into
Question Master, not the image itself. If the image is
subsequently moved or deleted then the reference to
the image will be lost. You are advised to copy all
images used in your Question Flipcharts into a
known place in your Resource Library, to prevent
such an occurrence. The Flipchart itself will still
contain all images since copies of the images are
embedded into the Flipchart.
Select the correct answer from the drop down list.
Layout 6 Long Question + Large Image - Short Answer
This question type is the same as above except that you have
much more space for a longer question, and a larger image, the
answers are displayed beneath the image.
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Question Library
Add Question from Library
The Question Library is a utility that allows you to very quickly add questions to
your project from pre-written questions.
To add a question to your current question paper:
1. Click on the Show Library button.
The Answers column will be replaced by the Question Library column:
The default view displays All Questions
If you have organized your questions into Folders and Sub Folders, you
can navigate through the folder structure by using the down arrows to
display the questions according to the categories you have setup.
2. Click on the question(s) you require and click on to the Use Question
(s) button.
The question(s) will be added to your current project, you may at this stage
edit the question if you wish.
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Add Question to Question Library
In addition to outputting your question to a Flipchart and saving it within the
Question Master Source file, you can also add your question to the Question
Library. The Question Library is a utility that allows you to very quickly create a
question paper from pre-written questions.
To add a question to the library:
1. Click on the question you wish to save so that it is highlighted.
2. Click on Question on the menu.
3. From the popup choose Add to Library.
You question will be added to the question library. It will not at this stage be
categorized. You may wish to organize the question within the question library,
see Maintaining the Question Library for more information.
Deleting Questions From Your Source File
To delete a question from your Question Master source file:
1. Click on the question(s) you wish to delete.
2. Click on Question from the menu.
3. From the popup choose Delete Question(s). You will be prompted with
the Delete Question(s) dialog:
Click the Yes button to remove the question(s).
Click the No button to leave the question in place.
Random Generation of Questions
To add a random set of questions to your project:
1. Click on Question on the menu
2. From the popup choose Random Generation. You will be presented
with the Random Question Selector dialog:
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By default All Questions will be displayed. You can use the Folder and
Sub Folder groups to randomly select questions from a particular topic,
provided you have setup these topics and populated them with
questions.
2. Click on the down arrow and select the Number of Questions you wish
to add.
3. Click on the Select button. The questions will be added to your project.
You may click the Exit button if you change your mind about adding random
questions.
Note: Question Master will not add multiple instances of the same
question
Saving Your Question Master Source File
Having generated your Question Flipchart, you may at this stage exit the
Question Master program. You may choose to save the current question project
for later use. Saving your Question Master source file enables you to re-load
this question set for further editing or outputting in different styles or layouts.
1. Click File.
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2. Select Save to... and select whether to save it to your personal or
shared Question Master resource folder, or browse to save it in another
location.
3. Type in a suitable filename for your Question Master Source File, then
click on the Save button. The file will be saved with a .qmf extension.
Opening a Question Master Source File
To open an existing source file:
1. Click on File.
2. Choose Open from... and select whether to open a source file from
your personal or shared resource library, or from another location.
If you have previously been working on a question project and have not
saved it you will be prompted to save changes. Click Yes to save your
current question project. Your current Question Master source file will
be saved. If you have not yet given your current project a filename you
will be prompted with the Save Question Master File dialog. Type in a
suitable filename and click on the Save button to save your current
project.
The Open Question Master File dialog will then be displayed.
Locate and click on your question master project file, which will have the
extension .qmf. Then click on the Open button.
Your Question Master source file will open so you can edit the file or output
your Question Flipchart.
Starting a New Question Master Source File
To start a new question master project:
1. Click on File.
2. Click on New.
If you have previously been working on a question project and have not yet
saved it, you will be prompted to save changes. Click Yes to save your current
question project. If you have not yet given your current project a filename, you
will be prompted with the Save Question Master File dialog. Type in a
suitable filename and click on the Save button to save your current project.
Click No to abandon your current file.
All information in Question Master will now be reset as if the program was
newly opened with a blank project.
You may now start to compile your new question project.
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Maintain Question Library
Maintaining the Question Library
In order to use the Question Library effectively it will need to be organized.
Click on the Maintain Library button to open the Question Library:
All questions added to the question library are placed in the main index, it is up
to you to categorize and organize your questions into Folders and Sub Folders,
so that they are readily available by topic.
Creating Categories
You need to create topics and sub-topics by renaming main Folders and their
associated Sub Folders.
1. Double click on the Folder 1 tab to open a text box where you may
enter a classification or category.
2. Type in your chosen folder name. For example, 'Mathematics'.
3. Click the OK button to rename the Folder label.
4. Double click on the Sub Folder 1 tab and type in a suitable name, for
example 'Equations'.
5. Click the OK button to rename the Sub Folder label.
6. Continue to rename the Folders and Sub Folders according to your
preference
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Naming convention is entirely dependant upon the type of questions you
generate. You may, for example, be the math teacher and have your questions
categorized by syllabus subject and by level, or you may categorize your
questions by suitability for various classes etc.
Adding Questions to Categories
Having established your question categories you can now start to move your
questions into suitable categories:
1. Highlight the question(s) you wish to categorize.
2. Select the Folder and Sub Folder you require into which you want to
copy the questions.
3. Click on the Arrow to copy the highlighted questions to the selected
Folder.
Sort Questions in Library
To sort the list of questions into alphabetical order:
1. Click on the Question menu item.
2. Click on Sort Questions.
The Question file will be sorted into ascending alphabetical order.
Add to Library
To add new questions directly to the library:
1. Click on Question.
2. Click on Add to Library. The Add Question dialog will be displayed:
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Use the Add Question dialog to:
• Type in a new question
• Type in the possible answers
• Select the type of question, for example change from a Multiple Choice
6 to a Multiple Choice 4
• Select the correct answer setting
• Set a timeout in seconds
• Choose a question layout. For example you may choose a long question
short answer type or a short question with Image and short answer type
layout.
Once you have added your new question, click on the OK button to add your
new question to the library.
Click on the Cancel button to exit the editor without adding your new question.
Import Questions from CSV File
This import feature allows you to type your questions into a text file or Excel
spreadsheet, in a format that you can import into the question library. This
may be more convenient than entering the questions and answers in the
normal manner.
Enter data into Text File
Open a text file and enter your data. Each part should be separated by a
comma in the following format:
Row 1 = Title (or leave blank, since the import will always start from row2)
Row 2 = Question,Number of answers,Correct answer (numerical
value),Answer1,Answer2,Answer3,Answer4,Answer5,Answer6,Timeout
(optional numeric value)
Example:
Capital Cities
What is the capital of France?,2,1, Paris,London,,,,,10
If your data, such as your question, contains a comma within it, make sure
that you surround that part with quote marks ("). This ensures that the comma
is treated as normal data.
Ensure that you save your file with the filename extension .csv. If your text
editor does not allow you to do this, you will have to rename the file within
Windows Explorer so that the file extension reads '.csv'. This file is then ready
to import.
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Enter data into Excel Spreadsheet
Open a new spreadsheet and enter your data so that each part of your
question resides in its own cell. Enter the data in the same order as described
in the text file method above.
Example:
Save the file as a comma separated variable (.csv) file. This file is then ready
to import.
Import Question
Click on the Question menu and select Import questions from csv file from
the menu.
Navigate to your csv file and click Open. A message will be displayed to tell
you if the import has been successful. When imported, your question will
appear in the library.
Remove Question from Question Library
To remove redundant questions from the library
1. Highlight the question(s) you wish to remove.
2. Click on Question.
3. Click on Remove from Library.
Edit Question in Library
The Question Library has a built in facility to edit any question previously
added to the library.
Procedure:
1. Highlight the question you wish to edit.
2. Click on Question.
3. Click on Edit Question. The Edit Question dialog is displayed:
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From here you can:
• Re-type or edit the question
• Re-type or edit the possible answers
• Alter the type of question, for example change from a Multiple Choice 6
to a Multiple Choice 4
• Change the correct answer setting
• Alter the timeout setting
• Alter the question layout, for example you may switch from a long
question short answer type to a short question with Image and short
answer type.
Once you have edited the question, click on the OK button to save your
changes.
Click on the Cancel button to exit the editor without saving any changes.
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Save a Copy of the Question Library
Since the Question Library automatically saves any editing or additions to the
library, there is another facility available that allows you to save a copy of your
library. This allows you to share your question files with other users.
1. Click on File.
2. Choose Save to... and select whether to save a copy of the question
library to your personal or shared Question Master resource folder, or
browse to save it in another location. You will be prompted with the
Save Question File dialog box.
3. Type in a suitable filename for your question library file. The file will be
saved with a .qns extension.
Note: If you save the file to a shared area, other users will be able to
see your saved question library file if they use the Merge
command.
Merge Question Library
This facility allows you to load a different question library file into your own:
1. Click on File.
2. Click on Merge. You will be presented with the Merge Question File
dialog.
You can select any file that has the extension .qns. If you can't locate the file
you require, you will need to ask the user to save their question library into a
shared resource folder. You may also browse to the users folder and locate the
file you require. You should of course ask for the users permission before you
do this.
Note: The default .qns file is used by all users. This file should not be
altered in any way.
3. Once you have chosen a question library file to merge, click on the
Open button
The questions in the chosen library file will be merged. If any questions match
existing questions in your library, then you will be prompted to overwrite your
existing question. Click Yes to have the new question overwrite your existing
question. Click No to retain your question and prevent the new question being
merged.
Once all questions have been merged you will need to copy them to the
appropriate categories. Refer to Maintaining the Question Library for more
information about how to organize your questions.
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Exit Library
Click on the Exit Library button to exit the Question Library when you have
completed any maintenance.
If you have not saved any changes you may have made you will be prompted
to save. Click Yes to save your changes and return to the Question Master
program. Click No to abandon any changes and return to the Question Master
program. Click Cancel to return to the Question Library program.
Altering Question Order
To alter the order of the questions in your question file:
1. Click on the question you wish to move.
2. Click on either the up or down arrow to move the question up or
down the list of questions:
To move multiple questions at once, use the Shift and Ctrl keys to select the
questions you want to move, then click the up or down arrows.
Altering Answer Order
To alter the order of your answers:
1. Highlight the answer you wish to move.
2. Click on either the up or down arrow to move the answer up or
down the list of possible answers:
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To move multiple answers at once, use the Shift and Ctrl keys to select the
answers you want to move, then click the up or down arrows.
Note: If you have previously selected the correct answer as being for
example answer number three, then move answer number three,
the correct answer indicator will move with the answer to the
new location.
Adjusting line width
To alter the width of the question and answer placeholders:
Note: You should only need to do this if your Questions or Answers are
particularly long.
1. Position the screen cursor on the line between any two questions or
answers:
2. Click and drag downwards to widen or drag upwards to narrow the text
boxes containing either your questions or answers:
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Exiting Question Master
To exit from the Question Master program, click on File > Exit.
If you have not saved you will be prompted to do so:
Click Yes to save your Question Master source file. If you have not previously
saved your work, you will be prompted to type in a suitable filename and click
the Save button.
Click No to close down the program instantly and not save your source file.
Click Cancel to return you to the Question Master program.
User Database
The user database is a separate program that allows you to organize your
users by adding them to the database and associating them with ACTIVote
groups.
To open the User Database, click on Menu > ACTIVote > User Database.
Note: If you are running ACTIVprimary, first click on the Teacher Tools
Menu button so you can access Menu > ACTIVote > User
Database.
You will be presented with the User Database program:
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Initially this will only contain the Man UTD folder with three sub folders, this is
provided for training purposes and is referenced in this help system. You will
need to decide how you will categorize your groups of users, this may be by
class name or subject group etc. or any classification that uniquely identifies
them as the group of users you will use the ACTIVote devices with.
Add Users to Database
1. Click on User > Add. You will be presented with the Add User dialog:
Use the Description field to
enter information that will
uniquely identify individual
users in the event of two or
more users with the same
name.
Add all users in your group then click
on the OK button. The main user list
will update to include the newly added
users:
Your users will now need to be copied to appropriate groups.
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Description Field
Depending upon how many users are added to the database you will
undoubtedly come across a situation where you will add users to the database
who have the same name. The description field of the database allows you to
type in some information that will uniquely identify which of the users are
referenced. You may choose to use class groups as a description, you may
decide to input more personal descriptions such as 'the cheeky one'. However
you decide to distinguish them it is important that you do so, since all users
are entered into a single list. It only becomes crucial if you have users of the
same name within the same groups.
To help to identify individual users you can switch this field on by clicking the
Descriptions checkbox:
Deleting Users from Database
To delete users from the database:
Highlight the user(s) you want to remove, click on the User menu, then click
on Remove.
A warning message is displayed asking if you want to remove the highlighted
users. Click the Yes button to remove the users, or the No button to cancel
the operation.
You may use the following key strokes in combination with mouse clicks to
modify your selection. for example holding down the Shift key whilst clicking
on user names will select a range of users in-between the first selected user
and the second selection. You may also use the Ctrl key to add individual users
to the selected group. Each click on a user will add them to the selection.
Further clicks onto the selected users will remove them from the selection.
Editing Existing User Details
You may need to edit the database to reflect a change in one or more of your
users, for example a school pupil may have changed classes from class 1a to
class 2a.
1. Highlight the user or users you want to edit.
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2. Click on User.
3. Click on Edit. The database grid will open displaying the details for the
users you selected.
4. To make a change, click in the field against the user name and type in
your alteration to the database record.
5. Repeat this until all editing has been completed.
6. Click on the OK button to update the database.
Changing your mind
If you are not happy with the editing you have done it is possible to reset the
database to how it was when you first opened it.
1. Click on File.
2. Click on Reload.
This action reloads the database file, overwriting any changes you have made.
Note: This function will work provided that you do not save the
database before reloading. Once you issue the save command it
will overwrite the database file.
Remember to save your database on exit. Any changes are not written to disk
until you save them.
Define Groups
The next stage is to define your ACTIVote groups. You will need to rename the
Folder and Sub Folder tabs with suitable names reflecting your activity. The
following illustration shows grouping by class and sub-grouping by subject.
1. Double click on the Folder 1 tab. A text box will open where you may
enter a classification or category:
2. Type in your chosen category name.
3. Click the OK button to rename the group label.
4. Double click on the Sub Folder 1 tab and rename it to your choice.
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5. Continue to rename the tabs according to your preference. When you
have finished re-naming the Folder and Sub Folder tabs it may look like
the illustration below:
Add Users to Groups
In order to use Named Mode you must add the appropriate users to the
ACTIVote user groups that they belong to.
To add users to the Geography ACTIVote group, you must first ensure that you
have selected the Class 1a Folder, and then select the Geography Sub Folder
by clicking onto the tab. Now click and drag over the user names until all are
highlighted. You can also use the Shift and Ctrl keys to select multiple names.
Click onto the arrow and all of the highlighted users will be added to the
Geography ACTIVote Sub Folder.
The database will update as follows:
Continue adding users to all appropriate ACTIVote groups.
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Removing Users from a Group
To remove an individual user or multiple users from an ACTIVote group you
must display the ACTIVote group in question.
Select the user(s) you want to remove, then click on the left arrow to
remove them from the group.
Note: This action only removes the names of users from ACTIVote
groups, it does not delete the user from the database.
Copying Users Between Folders
You may have setup an ACTIVote group consisting of a selection of people who
will form the basis of other ACTIVote groups.
An easy way to add this selection of people to another group is to display the
Folder and Sub Folder that contains them e.g. the Class 1a Folder along with
Geography Sub Folder as shown below:
In order to copy the group to another Sub Folder, you need to highlight the
users you wish to copy, then click on the Up Arrow
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When you click on the arrow you will be presented with the Folder Selection
dialog:
If necessary, use the vertical scroll bar to locate the correct folder, then click
on the folder you require. The selected users will be copied to the chosen
folder.
Repeat this procedure for each group you wish to copy.
Saving User Database
When you have added your users, created ACTIVote groups and associated
your users with appropriate groups you will need to save the database. Click on
File > Save to save the database in the program folder.
If you edit the database in any way without saving, then close the program
down, a message will be displayed asking if you want to save:
Click Yes to save the database and exit the program.
Click No to exit the program immediately and not update the database with
any changes you may have made.
Click Cancel to return to the database for further editing.
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Importing User Details
A facility exists that will allow you to import database information from other
sources. You must save the information from your other database file in the
form of a comma de-limited file. The file must have the extension .csv in order
for it to be imported. Most database programs have the facility to do this, it is
usually an export feature, consult the documentation that accompanies your
proprietary database for further information. Basically the data will be saved as
a simple text file and each row of data will usually be separated by a comma:
Example:
Employee ID,Last Name,First Name,Title, Title of
1,"Davolio","Nancy","Sales Representative","Ms."
2,"Fuller","Andrew","Vice President Sales","Dr."
3,"Leverling","Janet","Sales Representative","Ms"
4,"Peacock","Margaret","Sales Representative","Mrs."
5,"Buchanan","Steven","Sales Manager","Mr."
6,"Suyama","Michael","Sales Representative","Mr."
7,"King","Robert","Sales Representative","Mr."
8,"Callahan","Laura","Inside Sales Coordinator","Ms."
9,"Dodsworth","Anne","Sales Representative","Ms."
In the case of this example csv file, the first row contains the field names. Each
field of information is separated by a comma. The field names may or may not
match the fixed ones in the User Database, it is not essential that they match
since you are given the opportunity to map the User Database field name to
your imported data.
Procedure:
1. Create your csv text file from your proprietary database program.
Ensure that you save it with the filename extension .csv. If your
database does not allow you to do this you may rename the file within
Windows Explorer (a file management utility of the Windows operating
system, consult your windows documentation for further details). Also
ensure that you use a comma as the separator if given a choice.
2. Within the User database program click on File > Import. You will be
presented with the Import comma-delimited file dialog. Browse your
system to locate the csv file you wish to import.
3. Click on the CSV file you require then click the Open button. You will be
presented with the CSV Import dialog:
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You will notice that each field is separated and currently has the Not
Mapped status. Also note the first gray column entitled Ignore. This
column is used to exclude records from the import.
You may need to exclude the first row from being imported, this would
be the case if the first row of information is the field names from the
original database.
4. To exclude a row, click once in the gray column at the side of any entry
you wish to exclude.
You may also go through the list and exclude any users you do not
require in the same way.
You now need to map your CSV file to match the data to the appropriate
field name in the user database
5. Click onto the red Not Mapped window above the column that contains
the Last Name of the users in the imported file, you will see a drop
down arrow appear. Click on the arrow to reveal a list of field names
that are available. In this case the field in question contains the
Surname information.
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Once you click on the Surname entry the list will close and the data,
when imported, will be mapped to the Surname field:
6. Repeat the procedure for each field of information you require to
import. In this example, the first name field needs to be mapped to the
User database Forename.
Note: Leave any un-required fields in the not mapped state. This
information will then be ignored during the import process.
7. Once you have mapped all appropriate fields you may continue. Click on
the Import button.
A message will be displayed when the User Database has finished
importing the information. Click the OK button to see the new users
appended to the end of your existing database.
You may now go through the process of selecting and copying the new
users to appropriate ACTIVote groups
Save your database before exiting, see Saving User Database for
more information.
Sorting Your User Database
To sort your database records into alphabetical order:
Click on User > Sort.
The database file will be sorted in ascending alphabetical order.
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Exiting User Database
To exit the user database click on the Exit Database menu button.
If you have not saved any changes to the database, you will be prompted to
save:
Click Yes to save the database and exit the program.
Click No to exit the program immediately and not update the database with
any changes you may have made.
Click Cancel to return you to the database for further editing.
Graphical Output
Demo Mode Graph Output
Demo mode is intended for training purposes, in that you can practice using
the software without having to use physical ACTIVote devices.
All adhoc question graphs output from Demo mode assume the correct answer
to be answer number three, you can of course change the Correct answer
setting by clicking on an answer button of your choice.
You can take a look at Who Answered What style graph. Each device is listed
and you can see at a glance the number of people who submitted a response
for each possible answer.
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You can view a pie chart showing the percentage of who got it right, wrong or
didn't know/respond
The correct answer will be displayed provided it was chosen during creation of
prepared question.
Anonymous Mode Graph Output
adhoc Question
Once all responses have been accepted, the results will be displayed in the
form of a graph. It is then possible for you to indicate the correct answer to
your adhoc question by clicking on the appropriate answer button.
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None is the default until you
select the correct response
Assuming answer B is correct,
selecting button B will now give a
visual indication of how many
participants gave the correct
answer.
You can also Paste this result into your current Flipchart page by clicking on the
Paste button.
Prepared Question
Graphs output from Prepared questions will have the correct answer displayed
provided that it was set during the creation of the prepared question.
Named Mode Graph Output
adhoc Question
Once all responses have been accepted, the results will be displayed in the
form of a graph. It is then possible for you to indicate the correct answer to
your adhoc question by clicking on the appropriate answer button.
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The graphical output is the same no matter what ACTIVote mode you are in.
However Named Mode allows you to see the registered names appearing in a
list with an indication of how they voted. This information is only available in
the Who Answered What style graph:
You can paste this result into your current Flipchart page by clicking on the
Paste button.
Prepared Question
Graphs output from Prepared questions will have the correct answer displayed
provided that it was set during the creation of the prepared question.
Generate Overall Scores Graph
To generate the overall results from all questions asked:
1. Display the graph on any question page. If this is not already visible,
right click on the page and choose ACTIVote > Results..., or
ACTIVote Results... if you are using ACTIVprimary.
2. Click on the Overall Scores radio button.
The Flipchart pages will be read and the result will be displayed as a
graph. This will show the number of correct answers against either the
device name in Anonymous and Demo Mode or against the named
individual in Named Mode.
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The information provided here tells you how many questions each anonymous
device or named user got right.
View Response Times
Select the Response Times checkbox to view how long it took each individual
to answer each question. The time is displayed in seconds.
Display the graph on any question page (if not already visible, right click and
choose ACTIVote > Results..., or ACTIVote Results... if you are using
ACTIVprimary.
Click on the Response Times checkbox.
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When the checkbox is selected, the graph will display the response time, in
seconds, for each individual to answer each question.
Note: The response time will only be displayed on graphs which show
individual user feedback.
Summary Graph
Having generated an overall score you will also be able to see the summary
graph:
The information presented here is a detailed list of each device (anonymous) or
user (named) and what they voted for in each question. The number in the box
underneath each question indicates the answer they chose. The color indicates
if they got it right (green) or wrong (red) or didn't respond (gray). If the color
in the box is blue, it indicates that a correct answer was not set. For example,
if None was set as the answer.
Note: You may click on the Summary radio button before choosing the
Overall Score, either option will generate both sets of data.
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View ACTIVote Results
The results of each question asked are stored in the current Flipchart page.
Prepared Question Flipchart
When using a prepared question Flipchart, the results will be stored on each
question page and can be viewed immediately or you may go back to a
question page and use the right click popup to view the ACTIVote results.
adhoc Question Flipchart
When using adhoc questions the results are also stored in the Flipchart page.
However they are not linked with any particular question as in the prepared
method. Subsequent questions asked on the same Flipchart page will overwrite
previous results. Therefore the best way to use the adhoc system is to turn to
a new Flipchart page for each question. In addition you should write the
question and possible answers on each Flipchart page, then when the results
are stored and later viewed, they relate to the correct question. If you ask your
question rather than write it down, it would be a good idea to at least write
something on the Flipchart page that will remind you of the question you
asked.
Saving Your Results
It is possible to save your Flipchart containing the results. If you have a
prepared question Flipchart you will be asked to provide a filename. This is so
that you do not overwrite the original question Flipchart. If your Flipchart
contains results from an adhoc question, then you will also need to provide a
filename for your Flipchart.
When you re-open such a Flipchart, you can view the results by turning to the
question page then right click and choose ACTIVote > Results... from the
popup menu, or ACTIVote Results... if you are using ACTIVprimary.
Exporting Results
Exporting Text Results
You can export the ACTIVote results in order to have hard copy for yourself or
to provide feedback to your users. This method outputs the results to a file,
indicating the results of each of the questions that have taken place and are
stored in the current Flipchart.
In ACTIVstudio, click on Menu > Flipchart > Export > ACTIVote Results >
TXT (Notepad)
In ACTIVprimary, click on Teacher Tools Menu button > Menu > ACTIVote
> Export Results to Notepad.
The output will be generated for each page containing a result. When finished
your default text reader will open and display the textual results.
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Exporting ACTIVote Results to Excel
You can export the results in the current Flipchart to Excel.
Having conducted your ACTIVote session:
In ACTIVstudio, click on Menu > Flipchart > Export > ACTIVote Results >
XLS (Excel)
In ACTIVprimary, click on Teacher Tools Menu button > Menu > ACTIVote
> Export Results to Excel.
An Excel worksheet will be generated that contains the overall results
summary. If you wish to save the Excel worksheet use the File, Save routine of
the Excel program.
ACTIVote Options
There are several options that you can alter, that effect the way the ACTIVote
system works:
To access the ACTIVote options:
Click on Menu > ACTIVote > Settings...
Note: If you are running ACTIVprimary, first click on the Teacher Tools
Menu button so you can access Menu > ACTIVote > Settings.
The ACTIVote settings allow you to define options for setting up and voting
with the ACTIVote system.
Display results
You may elect to have the graph automatically display after all responses are
received. If you choose not to display the graph, but then decide you would
like to see it, right click on the Flipchart page and select ACTIVote > Results,
or ACTIVote Results if you are using ACTIVprimary, to view them.
Automatic page advance
Check this option if you the page to be turned automatically after receiving
answers when using a Question Flipchart. This would be a useful option if you
require to give your audience a timed question paper. Use this in association
with the timeout setting of each question.
ACTIVote User Database
Displays the location of the User Database used by the ACTIVote program.
Click on the Browse button to select another database.
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Adhoc/demo mode
Question
timeout You can set a default timeout that will be used when you
ask an adhoc question and also when you are using Demo
Mode. To change the default timeout, type in a new value.
Apply
timeout to
prepared
questions
Apply the question timeout for prepared questions.
Results to
new
Flipchart
page
Select this option if you would like to save the results of
the current question on a new Flipchart page. Each
subsequent question, will create a new Flipchart page for
the purposes of storing the question results. Clear this
option to paste the results in the current Flipchart page, in
which case subsequent responses will overwrite any
existing results.
Fullscreen
snapshot
(ACTIVstudio
only)
Allows you to capture the screen associated with the adhoc
question you are asking. This will take a full screen
snapshot and place it on either the current page if the
setting 'Results to new Flipchart page' is off. If the
preceding option is set to on then the snapshot will be
taken after all of the answers are received and the
resultant image will be placed on a new Flipchart page
along with the results.
Answers
Take users
first answer
only
If selected, your users will only be allowed to submit one
response and further responses will be ignored. When all
devices have voted, the timeout will stop immediately and if
set the graph will be displayed.
Allow users
to alter
their
answer
If selected, your users can answer, change their mind and
submit further answers during the timeout period. They can
continue to submit answers for the duration of the timeout
period. When the timeout period has ended, further
answers will be ignored and the results will be displayed, if
Display Results has been selected.
Display
names This option will display user names during Named Mode or
device names during an Anonymous or Demo Mode. The
names will be displayed beneath the timeout bar and will
light up when a response is received from the user. The
display allows you and the group to see who has answered
and who has not by using color indicators:
Gray: No response from user
Yellow: Valid Answer from user
Black: Out of range answer from user (e.g. the user
pressed 3 to a question with 2 answers)
Fill in This option gives you the ability to allow your users further
chances to answer the question set. For example if you
have a large audience say 50 people it is possible that not
all users will answer in the allotted timeout period.
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Question Flipcharts
If you open a Flipchart that contains ACTIVote questions then you will
immediately be presented with the ACTIVote Session window:
Note: If the Flipchart also contains results (from a previous ACTIVote
session), you will see the warning message 'The current
Flipchart contains results..'
Click on the Remove Results button if you want to remove the results and
use the question Flipchart with a new group. You also have the option the leave
the results in place if you wish to review them.
You may also at this time choose the Mode you require if you intend to use the
question Flipchart with a user group.
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Update Thumbnails
Note: This information is relevant to ACTIVstudio users only.
The Question Master software will have generated outline
thumbnail images, these images are used by the Page Selector
to show previews of each page in a Flipchart. These images are
not a true thumbnail of the actual page.
The diagram to the left shows the thumbnails as generated by
Question Master. Note the black blocks representing images.
It is however, possible for the correct images to be generated.
To do this, select Menu > Flipchart > Update Thumbnails.
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Promethean Technologies Group Limited
8601 Dunwoody Place, Suite 108, Atlanta,
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Tel: (888) 652-2848
Fax: (678) 762-7700
www.prometheanworld.com