Polling tools play an important role in enhancing classroom interaction at UNL, helping instructors check understanding, take attendance, and gather real-time feedback. Popular platforms like Top Hat and iClicker offer robust features and continue to be widely used in many UNL classrooms. These tools remain available, and instructors have the full flexibility to choose the polling solution that best fits the needs of their course.
At the same time, student feedback has highlighted a need for more affordable and consistent options. In some cases, students are asked to pay for multiple tools across different courses — even when the use case is relatively simple, like tracking attendance. This feedback led ITS to explore a cost-free, campus-supported alternative that could serve the broader campus community. In response, Academic Technologies collaborated with the Application Development team to create the Nebraska Polling App. This no-cost solution eliminates the need for students to purchase polling software while giving instructors a streamlined tool for in-class interaction.
Instructors can log in with their UNL credentials, create and assign polls, and share access codes with students. Poll results can be viewed live and exported for grading. The app supports five flexible question types, Canvas Gradebook export, and both live and self-paced polling modes. The Polling App is integrated into the Nebraska mobile app so that students have the option to respond to polls from their mobile device, and it is also accessible on the web at polling.unl.edu. A recording of the Polling App session from the Fall Academic Technologies Learning Series is available to walk users through the setup and features.
The Nebraska Polling App is a simple, accessible option for instructors seeking to boost classroom engagement through knowledge checks, feedback surveys, attendance tracking, or interactive polling activities. As a campus-supported resource, it promotes equitable access to instructional technology and reduces barriers to participation. Feedback and feature requests are welcomed to help shape future improvements to the app and can be submitted online. Contact nusupport@nebraska.edu with questions or use the Polling App Contact Us form.
More details at: https://polling.unl.edu/