University of Portsmouth technology students will be set questions they can respond to by using either university mobiles or their own phones as part of an eight-week pilot scheme.

Once they have texted the answers, the lecturer can identify areas where the class might need guidance.

The system records the students' responses and then displays a summary of results to the class. Students who respond incorrectly are sent automated personalised feedback and another question to answer. This all happens in less than five minutes.

System designer Manish Malik, an electronic and computer engineering lecturer, said: 'Today's young people are so at home with technology, it makes sense to utilise it as much as possible in a learning environment.

'The Who Wants to Be a Millionaire? style of voting has been around for years but by giving feedback I have added a completely new level.

'Students can keep the information on their phones and therefore re-engage whenever they wish.

'I am sure that the use of this technology will encourage interaction and boost results.'