Pearson Live Response vs WhimsyLabs

Pearson Live Response is a web-based classroom engagement tool that shows instructors student understanding and participation in real time. Instructors can create, reuse, or adapt sessions, use Pearson content, or build questions with a drag-and-drop planner. Supported formats include multiple choice, written, matching, hotspot, and composite sketch questions. Live charts, word clouds, and visual overlays display responses as they arrive. During a lesson, instructors can pause, discuss, and resend questions, while a scoring slider balances participation and correctness. Geofencing and unique session codes connect participation to the physical classroom. End-of-session reports show class trends, individual responses, and participation levels. Live Response is built into Pearson MyLab and Mastering, and students can join from any device without downloading an app or completing extra setup. Student access through those products costs nothing, with no additional charge. A standalone version is available through Pearson with pricing on request. Current Learning Catalytics users can continue running sessions, and Pearson offers transition-planning help.

WhimsyLabs is virtual laboratory software where students conduct simulated experiments in Biology, Chemistry, Physics, and Electronics. Its simulation engine models fluids, heat, and molecular behavior, including impurities and differences between samples. WhimsyCat guides students in response to their lab actions without a student chat window, while assessment evaluates experimental processes and techniques and asks follow-up questions tied to experimental data. Teachers can paste a written lab protocol into the AI Experiment Builder to create a custom lab scenario without programming. The platform includes a teacher dashboard and names Google Classroom, Canvas, Schoology, and LTI among its integrations. It runs in a browser on desktops, laptops, and Chromebooks, with optional VR headsets; Android, iOS, Linux, macOS, and Windows are also listed. Accessibility options include control remapping, text-to-speech, self-paced modes, and low-bandwidth operation. Labs can be cached or downloaded for offline use. Institutional pricing is by request, and a free trial is available, with no duration specified.