Learning Technology
Classroom response systems (clickers)
Classroom response systems (CRSs), commonly referred to as clickers, encourage active learning in large classrooms, but can also be effective for stimulating small-group discussion. They allow students to provide immediate feedback to questions by means of wireless electronic devices. The results can be tabulated and displayed.
Please note that iClicker1 and iClicker2 units will both function on the current white bases
Clickers enable faculty to
- create a comfortable environment in which all students can participate
- increase student interaction, especially in large lecture halls
- determine if students are understanding the material
- accurately track student attendance and participation
Clickers enable students to
- feel comfortable about answering questions
- in large classes because their responses are anonymous to other students
- collaborate to form a response
- compare their level of understanding with that of their peers
- explore concepts in a fun and interactive way
Instructor protocol for FIPPA Compliance
Instructors are required to follow the protocol outlined below to comply with privacy legislation and must take reasonable security measures to protect private data on their devices.
Required procedures for FIPPA compliance when using iclickers.
- Provide your students with the FIPPA compliance boiler plate statement. (see below)
- Password protect your devices (e.g. laptop, tablet , mobile device) and the data on them (e.g. file level password, encryption, etc.) to meet the requirement of taking reasonable security measures to protect student data.
Note: This is true for all student data on your devices whether or not it is obtained using a Classroom Response System - If a student has a serious, principled objection to registering his/her Classroom Response System such as iclicker on a U.S. server, the instructor has the discretion to offer an alternative process to the student, such as manually registering the student in igrader. Students must, however, give adequate notice and reason for their objection.
Boiler Plate Statement
- If the course requires the use of iclickers to collect in-class responses from students, the easiest way for most students to register their iclickers is via the iclicker website at http://www.iclicker.com. All response data is stored locally on the instructor’s equipment, but until iclicker implements its Canadian server option later in the near future, registration via the iclicker website means your ID will be stored on a U.S. server. Registering with the iclicker website is a transaction between the student and iclicker. Please use your SFU computing ID (e.g. doej for someone with e-mail doej@sfu.ca) to identify yourself. Do not use the student number. Any student with a concern about using the iclicker registration service must inform the instructor in ample time to make other arrangements for registering the student’s iclicker.
Types of classroom response systems available
iClickers
Clickers are the most commonly used type of clickers at SFU. Students can buy their handheld units from the SFU Bookstore. . Instructors can receive free base units supplied by Macmillan Publishers, the makers of iClickers, from the Teaching and Learning Centre. Instructors must use iClicker2 base units or upgraded compatible base units.
Web>Clicker:
There is also an option to use a mobile device (laptop | tablet | smartphone). Students can download the iOS or Android app for free or go to https://webclicker.iclicker.com from their laptop. Students would then need to purchase an access license from the bookstore. Web>Clicker servers are located in Toronto, Canada which is FIPPA compliant.
iClicker Guides:
Getting Started Guide for Mac
Getting Started Guide for Windows
Using WebCT with iClicker User Guide for Mac
Using WebCT with iClicker User Guide for Windows
Contact Christina Drabik, TLC instructional support technician to get your base unit.
Poll Everywhere
Poll Everywhere is an audience response system that uses mobile devices such as tablets and smartphones, Twitter, and the Web. It is used by some instructors in the Beedie School of Business.
Top Hat Monocle
Top Hat Monocle is a Classroom Response System which permits students to use their own hand-held devices and is preferred by some SFU instructors. Top Hat Monocle is a Canadian company with servers located in Toronto, Ontario and is compliant with FIPPA.
Resources
- Teaching with Classroom Response Systems – Derek Bruff's blog on classroom response systems (clickers) includes case studies, pedagogical techniques, and discipline-specific information. TLC educational consultant David Rubeli also recommends Bruff's book,Teaching with Classroom Response Systems.
- 7 things you should know about clickers – http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7002.pdf
- An Instructor's Guide to the effective use of Student Response Systems in Teaching (from UBC & University of Colorado)
