This page covers some of the recent updates to the Electronic Voting System (EVS) in use at UCL, called TurningPoint.
Please note
- Content created with older versions WILL WORK with TP v.8, but once used in the new version, you will not be able to edit the slides with older versions of the software.
- If you are using your own laptop to present, please ensure you have the latest version of TurningPoint for use with the new receiver. Please see below for links to download.
- Old receivers/dongles WILL NOT work with the new version of TurningPoint.
Over Summer 2017, in line with the Deskptop@UCL move to Windows 10 and Office 2016, Turning Point software on central UCL lecture theater PCs has been updated to a newer version, which requires a new receiver. Click the headings below to find out more, and ensure you're ready to use the new version of the receiver and software for teaching.
New receivers (but not new handsets)
This update in software is accompanied by new receivers (aka 'dongles') - shown on the left- which replace the previous receivers - shown on the right.
These new receivers can be used with existing handsets, but will only work with the newest version of the software (see below for where to download this). So, if you are:
- Borrowing EVS kits from central services (Information on loans available here) these will come with a new version of the receiver, which can be used with existing handsets. You will need to ensure you use the PC provided in the teaching space, or download the newest version of the software on your laptop.
- Teaching in the Cruciform LT1 which has built in handsets, there is already a new receiver installed in the managed PC - but you can also choose to use your laptop to use the fixed handsets. Simply plugin the labelled cable emerging from the teaching podium (this links to a new receiver inside the podium), and ensure you have the newest version of the software installed.
- Using equipment loaned out by Departmental teams, please check to ensure that you have been provided with a new receiver if you intend to use the managed PC in the teaching space.
Note that old receivers will continue to work with an old version of the software, but that you may experience some issues if moving between different campuses and teaching setups.
Updated software
- If you are using your own laptop to present, please ensure you have the latest version of TurningPoint for use with the new receiver. This can be downloaded from the locations listed below.
- Content created with older versions WILL WORK with TurningPoint version 8, but once used in the new version, you will not be able to edit the slides with older versions of the software.
Downloading the new software
You can download TurningPoint version 8 from the ISD Software database: http://swdb.ucl.ac.uk/package/view/id/410 (UCL staff login required), or from directly from the TurningPoint website: https://www.turningtechnologies.com/downloads (form to fill out).
Using the new software
The new version of Turning Point is very similar in many way to previous versions, used from inside PowerPoint. As before, please make sure that you open Turning Point from the desktop or the start menu, noting that the icon has changed. Make sure the receiver is plugged in before you start the software to get the full range of options below listed.
A pop-up will then appear - please pick the 'Create Content Offline' option.
On the next screen, click 'Start Now' under 'PowerPoint Polling'.
PowerPoint will then open with the TurningPoint tools in the ribbon.
You can then follow the steps listed in the TurningPoint guidance to creating polling questions (please ignore any references to signing in to a TurningPoint account) : https://www.turningtechnologies.com/pdf/userguides/tp8/PowerPointPollingPC.PDF
The guidance above from TurningPoint also includes instructions on how to polling during your session, and how to generate reports afterwards.
