Using Clickers

Using Clickers to Increase Student Preparation and Engagement in Learning

Brief Introduction to Clickers

• Note the kinds of transparency in administering the quiz.
• Program allows anonymous polling with instant charting.

Pedagogical Values in a Simple Quiz Use of Clickers

• Quizzing and the Tradition of "Exhortation to Read" in the Humanities

• Diagnostic Uses

• Snapshot of student preparation in real time
• Value to professors to be specific about expectations

• Motivating Better and High Levels of Reading

• "Calibrating" Reading expectations progressively
• Transparency of Reading "Saturation" (80% of class >= 80% correct)
• Decrease in Class Time spent teaching to the unread

Other Uses of Clickers

• Student Paced Mode for Exams
• Testing reading of texts not discussed in class.
• Polling & Anonymous Polling
• Integration into Class Flow. 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
• Plugging in to Blackboard or Using Native Gradebook