In a course on applied technical topics, the instructor uses ChatTutor during lectures to turn passive listening into active participation. Instead of engaging with students one by one, the instructor opens a shared session where the entire class can respond to the same question simultaneously.

During the lecture, students are invited to contribute short responses to prompts connected to the topic at hand. In one session, for example, the class discussed real-world questions about harvesting methods in oil palm, with students suggesting relevant techniques in a shared ChatTutor session. Within minutes, responses from the entire class appeared in one place, creating an instant snapshot of the class's thinking.

This changes the dynamic of the room. Rather than relying on the few students who typically speak up, the instructor can see contributions from everyone. Responses range from precise contributions to first attempts and quick tests, providing immediate insight into how confidently the class is engaging with the material.

The shared responses become a teaching resource in real time. By simply typing @ai in the shared chat, the instructor can prompt ChatTutor to group similar answers, compare ideas, or surface common misconceptions. The instructor can guide the discussion based on students' actual thinking rather than assumptions about what they understand. Because every contribution is captured, the discussion can also be revisited after class to examine participation patterns and identify areas that need further attention.

For students, the activity lowers the barrier of participation. Typing a short response is often easier than raising a hand, making it more natural for quieter students to contribute. Every student becomes part of the discussion, while the instructor gains immediate evidence of participation and understanding across the entire class.

The approach is flexible and can be used across subjects and class sizes. Any moment where an instructor would normally ask, "What do you think?" can become an opportunity for whole-class participation: brainstorming, checking prior knowledge, or gathering examples before a discussion.