Clickers

Clickers are wireless handheld radio frequency response pads, similar to your television remote, used by students in a classroom setting. The instructor poses quiz or polling questions and students key in their answers. The data is then immediately displayed via projection onto a large screen and can be discussed, debated, or reviewed. 

Clickers allow instructors to:

• Evaluate audience understanding of lecture material.
• Engage students in classroom activities and discussions.
• Gauge which topics or concepts may need deeper discussion or overview.

Clickers can be used to:

• Deliver quizzes.
• Discuss sensitive topics and issues.
• Encourage and promote class interaction and participation.
• Hold student interest during long lecture periods.

Visit the Site: http://www.einstruction.com/WhatIsCPS/

 

Standardization

In the Fall '07 semester the University of San Diego standardized with the eInstruction Classroom Performance System (CPS) clicker technology and software. It became necessary to standardize products when it was evident that this technology was taking off and a variety of different products began to surface in classrooms across campus. Standardization meant that students only have to purchase one unit regardless of how many of their classes required clickers, and that ITS could effectively support the technology. Faculty members from a variety of disciplines have now adopted this technology in their teaching and report positive results overall. Students report that using clickers makes it easier to participate in class and that they can share their response without feeling alone or threatened. 

Current faculty users of various clicker products (Turning Technologies, CPS, InterWrite and iClicker) were invited to participate as committee members as we began the selection process. 18 committee members consisting of faculty, ITS personnel, bookstore representatives and students, met for the first time on April 12, 2007.

A criteria matrix was developed to capture the evaluations as the committee began their task. Investigation of products, demonstrations, and consultation with other universities who had adopted these products got under way. All consideration had to be given to best overall options and key criteria and features in entering into this selection process.

A total of 5 committee meetings were held over a period of 3 months, and by mid-summer of '07 a consensus had finally been reached after painstaking hours of research and discussion. The original plan to standardize in the spring of '08 was accelerated up as many faculty were planning to adopt clicker technology for fall '07, and so it was announced in August '07 that we would be standardizing immediately.

 

Clickers allow you to…

• Gauge student understanding of lecture material
• Add participation and interaction to your class lecture
• Deliver quizzes/poll students and gather all data easily
• Take attendance easily
• Get anonymous responses to sensitive material and topics for further class discussion
• Visit the eInstruction site testimonials to see how others use them (http://www.einstruction.com/WhatisCPS/Testimonials/index.cfm)

Follow these simple steps to be on your way … 

• Order a free receiver from CPS – send an email to iTeam@sandiego.edu with the following information (Note: if you are a returning user and already have a CPS receiver, skip this step):
• Name
• Email Address
• Phone
• Course Name
• Total # Students All Sections
• Total # Sections
• Class Start Date
• Department
• Shipping Address
  
  
• Complete the online form to order clickers for your class from the USD Bookstore. This will also ensure that software is installed in your classroom.
• Check the Training Calendar (NW) for upcoming workshop dates
  (Note: workshops are held late in the semester in preparation for the following semester)

 

• USD Resources

  • Startup Basics – A quick start guide to clickers
  • Getting Started for Students
  • System Requirements
  • FAQ’s
  • Troubleshooting
  • Resources and Information for Students purchasing clickers
  • Contact the iTeam - We're here to help!
  • Phone: 619.260.7400
  • Email: iTeam@sandiego.edu
    
  • In person: 194-196 Maher Hall
    
  • Information about Departmental Purchases

 

• CPS Resources
• CPS Web Site
• CPS Software Downloads
• CPS Customer Support
• CPS Training Resources
• CPS Training Videos
• CPS Community User Forum
• Contact CPS representative
• John Burgess – CPS – eInstruction
  561.889.6585
  mailto:ad123@ix.netcom.com

 

• Additional Information:
• Who’s using CPS?
• Article: New for back-to-school: ‘Clickers’
  (CNET News.com, Aug. 2005)
• Article: Clickers – 7 Things You Should Know
  (Educause Learning Initiative 2005)
• Student Response Systems: A University of Wisconsin System Study of Clickers
  (ECAR Research Bulletin, May 2007)
• Purdue University Testimonials (video)