The Instructional Technology Group (ITG) recently concluded a multi-semester pilot of Poll Everywhere 2.0 (PE 2.0). Launched in Fall 2025, this pilot was a direct response to faculty interest in finding a simple, effective student-response tool to increase student engagement.
While the survey response numbers were small, the qualitative feedback and usage data provide a valuable insight on how these tools function in our unique teaching environment. To gather a holistic view, ITG administered three anonymous Qualtrics surveys:
- Fall 2025 Faculty & Staff Survey, which focused on initial usability.
- Spring 2026 Faculty & Staff Survey that was expanded to include Canvas integration.
- Spring 2026 Student Survey, which focused on the learner experience.
Faculty & Staff Experience
For instructors, the primary goal was to determine if PE 2.0 could enhance engagement without adding technical overhead.
Usability & Integration
Ease of Entry: 100% of respondents found it “Very Easy” or “Easy” or “Neutral” to get started with Poll Everywhere.
Workflow Wins: Participants highlighted the PowerPoint integration as a major success, allowing them to run polls directly within their slides.
Canvas Hurdles: While the Spring 2026 term tested roster and grade sync, some faculty noted that the learning curve for integration required more training and support.
Pedagogical Impact
Instructors observed that the tool helped reach students who might otherwise remain silent. However, one instructor noted that prompting students to take out their devices mid-class could interrupt the natural flow of discussion if not introduced at a deliberate moment.
It was very easy to use and set up. It worked directly in PowerPoint, and I could just add all of the slides and get started.
The Student Perspective
Student feedback was overwhelmingly positive regarding the impact of polling.
The Anonymity Factor: A recurring theme in student comments was the value of anonymous responses. Students felt more confident participating when the “fear of being wrong” was removed.
Engagement Value: 81% of respondents said Poll Everywhere helped them feel more involved or included in class discussions.
I liked the fact that it was anonymous because I felt confident answering questions without the worry that I’d be wrong.
Lessons Learned & Next Steps
The pilot highlighted a few critical areas for ITG to address:
- Faculty requested more training opportunities.
- Implementing Single Sign-On (SSO) to streamline the login process for both students and faculty.
Based on survey results and feedback from the 2025–2026 pilot, ITG adopted Poll Everywhere 2.0 with a limited number of licenses before the Fall 2026 semester. Single Sign-On, or SSO, could not be enabled as it posed access limitations for cross-registered students. ITG plans to include Poll Everywhere in future training and development sessions.
Faculty and staff interested in using Poll Everywhere 2.0 for teaching, workshops, presentations, or other instructional activities may request a license by contacting ITG at servicedesk@pomona.edu .
Thank you to the faculty, staff, and students who participated in the pilot and helped guide this next phase.