Clickers in the Classroom

Introduction

Have you considered innovative technology to increase student-instructor interaction and student participation in large-enrollment classes? Personal response systems are small hand-held wireless transmitters that allow students to individually participate in lecture presentations, class activities, or examinations. These personal wireless keypads or “clickers” are increasing in popularity and availability in education.

Perhaps you are already moving forward with using Clickers in your classroom. If so you should do the following:

1. Contact your text book publisher to see which brand(s) of clickers they promote and what rebate they will offer your students.
2. Contact the UI Bookstore to make sure the clicker units will be available for your students.
3. Contact Classroom Technology Services to confirm the software you want to use will be in the computer classroom you are assigned. You can call 885-0570.
4. Obtain a receiver, either from the manufacturer or from your textbook publisher.
5. Contact the CTI if you want to integrate clickers with Blackboard or need an orientation on using the technology.

ARTICLE: Students Who Use Clickers Score Better On Physics Tests

Current Campus Technology

As part of a grant from the Idaho State Board of Education, several UI faculty members started using personal responders in their classrooms the fall semester of 2006.

Current UI Supported Clicker Brands:

• Turning Point Technology
• InterWrite PRS Technology

UI Contacts:

• David Schlater, Center for Teaching Innovation (CTI)
• Greg Clifford, Classroom Technology Services (CTS)
• Chuck Lanham, Information Technology Services (ITS)
• Professor Kathe Gabel, Turning Point Faculty
• Professor Ronald Robberecht, InterWrite PRS Faculty

Additional Links:

• Idaho Caucus for Educational Technology (ICET)
• Lauren Fins Survey Research on Clickers (PDF)
• Gus Davico Experiences with PRS Clickers (PDF)
• Diane Armpriest Preliminary Survey Results (XLS)
• CWSEI Clicker Resources

Workshop & Demonstrations

Integrating “clickers” into the Classroom (1.5 hrs)
Watch the Video Presentation (Get Real Player)

Learn how personal response systems (commonly known as “clickers”) can effectively be integrated into classroom presentations. This presentation reviews the two different response systems currently used on the UI campus. UI Faculty share their experiences with these systems and discuss how this technology can be used to enhance the teaching/learning experience.

Turning Point Technology

Turning Point Technology Homepage

Summary of Features

• Radio frequency (RF) responder; optional LCD display in XR model
• Simple to use plug and play system
• Very good for instant polling and surveys
• Basic support for examinations and quizzes
  • Multiple choice and numeric
  • Numeric, fraction, short answer (XR model only)
  • LED light indicates that data entry was received
  • Response Confirmation on Screen (XR model only)
• Integrated with MS PowerPoint
• Software independent; TurningPoint AnyWhere or optional integration with MS PowerPoint
• Identification by unique responder identification number
• Flat watch-style battery (no battery meter)
• USB receiver (no AC power required)
• Blackboard compatible with a feature to allow students to self-register their ResponseCard IDs in their Blackboard UI profile
• Optional ResponseCard AnyWhere handheld receiver supports polling an audience without a computer or projector
• UI Bookstore: new and used sales (buy-back from students)
• Demonstration pack available from CTI (cti@uidaho.edu)

Support for Turning Point

Educational representative:

Elissa D. Shaner
Account Executive - Higher Education
Turning Technologies LLC.
241 Federal Plaza West
Youngstown, Ohio 44503
Office: 330-884-6046 | Cell: 330-307-2966

Technical support:

866-746-3015
support@turningtechnologies.com

InterWrite PRS Technology

InterWrite PRS Technology Homepage

Summary of Features

• Radio frequency (RF) responder with two-line LCD display
• Good for polling and surveys
• Good for examinations, quizzes, and homework
  • Multiple choice, true/false, short answer, numeric
  • Answers can be reviewed
  • Positive feedback on data entry (e.g., “received,” “correct,” correct answer)
• Software independent; InterWrite software or optional integration with MS PowerPoint
• Student programmable for unique UI student identification number
• Standard “AAA” batteries and battery meter
• Powered receiver (AC power required; ~ 3 x 4 x 1”)
• Can be used with Blackboard
• UI Bookstore: new and used sales (buy-back from students)
• Demonstration pack available from Professor R. Robberecht http://ecologyonline.net 

Support for InterWrite PRS

Educational representative:

Kevin Quinn
Sales Manager - Western Region
InterWrite Interactive Classroom
Office: 801-776-0308 | 602-361-7288 Cell
kquinn@gtcocalcomp.com

Technical support:

800-856-0732