CLICKERS BREAKING NEWS!
Check out the new Clicker Blog!
Check out our new Clickers blog at http://words.usask.ca/clickers. We'll be using this blog to provide up-to-date service information, details of any changes to the service, problems we might be experiencing, helpful hints and suggestions for using clickers in your teaching and learning, and many other things! You can subscribe to our news feeds using your RSS reader simply by clicking on the links to our different feeds on the Blog front page. That way, you'll be kept immediately up-to-date!
New version of TurningPoint Software Released.... BUT....
TurningTechnologies has released, in late July, Version 5 of their TurningPoint software. However, due to both the short time frame between its release and the start of the Fall term AND the significant difference between Version 5 and our currently installed Version 4, we've decided NOT to attempt to upgrade to Version 5 in the clicker-equipped classrooms for September. We will test and investigate over the Fall term to see what a feasible migration path would be. Please check back here for updates! If you have questions or concerns, feel free to contact clicker_support@usask.ca
Recycle Your Clicker, Get $15 back at the CCS!
Done with your clicker? Bring it back to the Campus Computer Store for a $15 debit-card refund (pending it passing an in-store functionality test, of course).
Broke your clicker? Bring it back to the Campus Computer Store where they will dispose of it in an eco-friendly way! (Sorry, no money back for smashed or damaged clickers!).
Short of Cash? Check out purchasing a refurbished clicker! (Supplies are limited!)
Clickers are an instant feedback tool that can be used in a classroom setting to poll a group of students or perform an assessment of the understanding the group has about some topic. Students have a response pad (similar to a TV remote control) with which they can answer questions posed by the instructor; answers are tallied and can be instantly displayed or simply saved. Questions can be as simple as yes/no or multiple choice through to fairly complex threads of discussion. Clicker based assessments can provide an alternative to computer marked exams.
With a Student Response System, the instructor controls a receiver that is connected to a computer loaded with software that analyses data and sends it to a display system (data projector or monitor). Students purchase (or rent) clickers to enter their responses to questions displayed to them. The receiver stores the responses on the computer for immediate or later tallying of results.
Clickers seem to be viewed well by those who have assessed them to determine student and instructor comfort levels. They can be a means to encourage interaction in large classes where student interaction is difficult to initiate. The immediate feedback provided by the technology can be used by the instructor to adjust how much time is spent on a topic. A couple of pointed questions regarding material just covered may help to gauge the level of comprehension of the students thereby indicating whether further detail is needed or not.
Studies indicate that instructors find incorporating clickers into their teaching fairly easy and students feel more engaged in large classes.
In this section
Features
The U of S has selected to install Turning Technology receivers in many classrooms (and media carts) and to sell Turning Technology clickers at the Campus Computer Store to facilitate use of clickers in classes. Small portable receivers are available for purchase from the Campus Computer Store as well. By using one manufacturer, students will only be required to carry one clicker and clickers can be used in any number of their courses.
The Turning Technology Student Response System has the following features:
- Supports both recorded and anonymous polling
- Integrates easily with PowerPoint and uses Excel for data reporting
A central registration system has been developed to help instructors to easily incorporate student clicker use information into their reporting. This registration system (the Clicker Registration Channel) is available to students from within PAWS, and integrates with the Grade Center within BBLearn.
For more detailed information about clickers, see the following guides.
