Using Clickers to Increase Student Preparation and Engagement in Learning

Brief Introduction to Clickers

• Devices, software, registration.
• Features of a clicker session. Screen Captures
• Output of scores to blackboard, gradebook, or excel.
• Questions and correct answers are synced to einstruction student account.
• Clicker technology automates everything about discrete item evaluation except the writing of the item (question).

Effects of Clickers on Pedagogical Practice

• Motivating Better and Higher Levels of Reading

• Significant increase in reading preparation..
• Consistent use of clickers to assess reading preparation allows for progressive calibration of reading expectations.
• The immediate transparency of student performance in a clicker session allows allows the faculty to adjust instruction in real time and helps students identify areas of common confusion.

• Looking at Reading Behavior in Social Context (comment)

• Other Effects

• Clicker question writing encourages focus on student appropriation of information
• Decreases class time spent teaching to The Unread
• Facilitates accountability for reading material not discussed in class.
• Decreases lateness when questions occur at the start of class.
• Students enjoy positive feedback or get useful negative feedback from immediately revealed answers and response patterns.
• Repeating questions reinforces cumulative learning.

Other Uses of Clickers

• Student Paced Mode for Exams
• Polling & Anonymous Polling
• Integration into Class Flow to increase engagement. Questions based on class activities such as lecture, group work, etc.
• Automated Attendance
• "Clicking In" at public events

Return to Technical Questions, Some additional details

• Verbal and Chalkboard Questions