Topics
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:
- Contact your text book publisher to see which brand(s) of clickers they promote and what rebate they will offer your students.
- Contact the UI Bookstore to make sure the clicker units will be available for your students.
- 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.
- Obtain a receiver, either from the manufacturer or from your textbook publisher.
- Contact the CTI if you want to integrate clickers with WebCT/Blackboard or need an orientation on using the technology.
Current Campus Technology
As part of a grant from the Idaho State Board of Education, several UI faculty members have been using personal responders in their classrooms since fall semester 2006.
Current Clicker Brands:
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)
Workshop & Demonstrations
Integrating “clickers” into the Classroom
presented April 27, 2007 (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; no LCD display
-
Simple to use
- Very good for instant polling and surveys
- Limited use for examinations and quizzes
- Multiple choice and numeric
- LED light indicates that data entry was received
- Integrated with MS PowerPoint
- Identification by unique responder identification number
- Flat watch-style battery (no battery meter)
- USB receiver (no AC power required)
- Blackboard compatible
- 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”)
- WebCT compatible
- 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