What is it?

Classroom Performance Systems are also known by several other names (classroom communication systems, electronic response systems, interactive response systems, and clickers). Clickers provide the ability to enhance a classroom through active learning, student engagement, meaningful discussion, and an assessment of student understanding in a large or small classroom setting.

The complete system consists of student transmitter units (clickers); a receiver unit to collect student input; software to identify a student by clicker or student ID; and the ability to graphically display summary data with the use of a projection system. Typically, the instructor poses a question to the class and the student uses the clicker to answer the question. Once all the answers have been collected and calculated, they may be displayed.

Why use Clickers?

Engage Students

One of the top reasons to use clickers is to engage students. If course materials consist of surveys, pretest, practice and review questions, students are encouraged to come to class prepared and to participate.

Promote Collaboration

Using group exercises with clickers requires students to discuss information and come to a consensus. If used in a game or quiz setting, clickers can help to promote healthy competition.

Provide Instant Feedback

Using built-in features, the instructor can tabulate input data to analyze or gauge student comprehension.

Increase Communication

All students are equal and have the opportunity to respond to questions in an anonymous format. Students that are shy or otherwise unlikely to answer questions openly take greater advantage of dialogue without the threat of sensitive information being revealed.

Collect Data

Clickers can be used for classroom assessment to measure student satisfaction and for understanding and administering pre and post tests. On the whole, meaningful interaction between the instructor and student improves attentiveness, interest, comprehension, and recall.

How do they work?

A clicker is a remote-control device where a student selects responses that include numeric, multiple-choice, multiple mark, true/false, and yes/no. These responses are transmitted to a receiver where they are collected and compiled by a computer. Depending on the complexity of the software, receiver, and responder, the instructor can provide a presentation, graphics, multimedia, and text, and collect information on a student’s responses. This data can be given back to the students or saved for later use by the instructor.

A responder system consist of:

A student handheld (individual responder) and a receiver that connects the student responders to a computer and collects the individual’s datasoftware that controls the class session and information presented.

There are two types of responder systems:

Infrared or (IR)- similar to a TV remote control, requires a line of sight to work. Students must point the controller at the receiver and submit data until it is recorded and a visual confirmation is made. In large classes, multiple receivers may be required.

Radio frequency- uses radio waves to summit data so that the student does not have to point the responder in a particular direction. Most systems have two-way communication between the individual and responder and the receiver. The receiver can provide confirmation on each handset that information has been received.

Advantages

Boosts attendance

It cuts down on the amount of in-class instant messaging and web browsing by students

Involves every student by posing objective and subjective questions during lecture, review, and testing.

Instructors receive instant feedback during a learning process, to gauge where to focus instruction.

Helps to motivate class with games that can make curriculum fun.

Track performance over time and scores to document, and manage a class.

Students can use the responders for several classes for several semesters.

Disadvantages

Students must purchase a clicker at a extra cost of $36 (at UT, Bookstore will buy them back for 50% of purchase price)

Responders run on batteries that must be replaced which over time becomes costly

Students may forget to bring the responder to class


Source: IUPUI Office of Professional Development