Introduction for Clickers
Clickers have been a very powerful tool in classroom especially for large number classes. Clickers allow instructors to ask questions and gather students' responses during a lecture. (Clicker systems are also commonly called Classroom Response Systems, Student Response Systems, or Audience Response Systems.)
In clicker systems, each student uses a device (a "clicker") that looks like a TV remote to answer questions posed by the instructor in a specially-designed PowerPoint presentation. Summaries of student responses can be shown in real time to both instructors and students. Answers are also stored electronically for later viewing.
Use of clickers in the classroom has been shown to increase students' attention and interest and to increase retention of information presented in lectures. Using clickers to pose questions that require synthesis of information, such as asking for an opinion on a complex social or ethical issue, promotes critical thinking and helps make learning personal.
Additionally, clickers can
- Transform large group instruction into an active learning experience.
- Provide a "safe" way for shy students to participate in classroom discussion.
- Allow anonymous, simultaneous, and fast response to instructor questions on class material or learning preferences.
- Add a little fun to the classroom.
Clicker System
Clickers system include mainly three parts: Clickers, Receiver, and Software.
Clicker
- 2.4 GHz RF 150 Foot Range
- Not Line-of-Sight
- Provides Student with Feedback
- SP08 Price: $46.65 New, $35 Used
Receiver
- Standard USB Connection
- Same Size as a Typical USB Flash Drive
- Supports up to 2047 Clickers in One Session
- Can Process up to 3000 Responses per Second
- Windows, Mac, and Linux Compatible
- Receivers can be Loaned from CLC to PRS Instructors
Software
- Windows, Mac, and Linux Compatible
- Same Client for all Platforms
- PowerPoint add-in for Windows and Mac
Good and Bad Examples for Using Clickers
Good Examples:- Taking Class Attendance
- Questions about Lecture Comprehension
- Class Participation
- Test Preparation Sessions
- Low-stakes Quizzing
- End-of-session Reviews
- High-stakes Quizzing or Testing
- Questions that require short answers
More Informations
Most of the information above are taken from Penn State ITS training seminar PPT. You can find a copy of this PPT here.
Some useful websites and emails you can go to for inforamtion about penn state clickers system.