Top Hat

The active learning platform for higher education.

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Overview

Top Hat is a student engagement and active learning platform primarily for higher education. While its core focus is on in-class polling, quizzes, and interactive content, it features a powerful automated attendance tracking system. Instructors can take attendance using a 4-digit code and can add a layer of security with geolocation to verify students are physically in the classroom.

✨ Key Features

  • Automated Attendance Tracking
  • Secure Attendance with Geolocation
  • Attendance via Mobile App, Web, or SMS
  • In-class Polling and Quizzes
  • Interactive Textbooks and Assignments
  • Gradebook with LMS Integration

🎯 Key Differentiators

  • All-in-one platform (engagement, assignments, textbooks, testing)
  • Focus exclusively on higher education
  • Marketplace of affordable, interactive textbooks

Unique Value: Provides a single, unified platform for all aspects of active learning in higher education, from in-class polling to interactive homework and secure exams.

🎯 Use Cases (4)

Taking attendance in large university lecture halls. Ensuring academic integrity by verifying student presence with geolocation. Combining attendance with in-class participation for a holistic engagement grade. Syncing attendance data directly with the university's LMS.

✅ Best For

  • Using secure, location-based attendance to prevent students from sharing attendance codes.
  • Automating the attendance process to save class time.
  • Identifying at-risk students through attendance data analysis.

💡 Check With Vendor

Verify these considerations match your specific requirements:

  • K-12 schools needing a full Student Information System.
  • Institutions that do not allow students to use personal devices in the classroom.

🏆 Alternatives

iClicker TurningPoint Kahoot!

More comprehensive than simple polling tools (clickers) and more interactive than traditional LMS platforms.

💻 Platforms

Web iOS Android

🔌 Integrations

Canvas Blackboard D2L Brightspace Moodle Sakai

🛟 Support Options

  • ✓ Email Support
  • ✓ Live Chat
  • ✓ Phone Support
  • ✓ Dedicated Support (Institutional plans tier)

🔒 Compliance & Security

✓ GDPR ✓ SSO ✓ FERPA

💰 Pricing

Contact for pricing

Free tier: N/A

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