Record Classroom Attendance in Top Hat

In this module, you will learn how to capture and record classroom attendance using Top Hat.

 

Log Attendance in Top Hat

To take attendance in Top Hat, a 4-digit code is first generated and then displayed on the screen of your classroom presentation. Students then enter this code in the Top Hat app using their own mobile devices to capture their attendance.  

Explore the following links to see the different ways to take attendance in Top Hat: 

NOTE:

  • See Module 6 to learn more about syncing attendance in Canvas.
  • If Top Hat attendance is synced to Canvas, students must access Top Hat through the Canvas LTI at least once in that specific course. Otherwise, they will be removed from the sync. 

 

Secure Attendance

Top Hat also offers a feature called Secure Attendance to add an extra layer of certainty in taking attendance. Secure Attendance uses geolocation to pinpoint students’ phone positions when they complete the attendance-taking process. Instructors can enable the Secure Attendance feature in their Top Hat courses in Course Settings. 

Explore the following links to learn more about Secure Attendance and how to utilize Secure Attendance in Top Hat courses: 

NOTE: Please be aware of the potential limitations of geolocation, especially in distinguishing between rooms in the same building or in nearby locations.

 

Penn State Practical Use

Professor Erica uses Top Hat to teach a 330-student class. In addition to incorporating interactive and engaging questions and discussions throughout the class, Erica also utilizes the attendance feature at the beginning of the class. It helps Erica to manage her class more effectively and efficiently by automatically recording attendance and transfering to the Canvas Gradebook. Explore the following resource to learn more about how Erica uses Top Hat: 

 

Resources for Your Students