Here are some tips for getting started with iclicker:

Decide what type of iclicker you will allow students to use

iclicker is available as a hand held remote and mobile app. It is good to allow both as the mobile apps are more inexpensive but there are some used iclicker remotes around that students still use.

Inform students of the use of clickers in your course outline

It is a courtesy to let students know you are using iclicker. Also let them know whether mobile or hand held remotes are allowed. Let them know with iclicker mobile there is a 14 day trial and they don't have to pay until the trial is over. Cost of clickers is 15.99US for mobile and 48.99CDN for remotes.

Let students know where to sign up for iclicker student mobile

Students go to https://www.iclicker.com/students/apps-and-remotes/web

Alert students who are using iclicker mobile that their sfu email must be used for course set up. This is important as without the use of the sfu email, the canvas integration won't work.

Choose between iclicker cloud and classic

Whether you use iclicker cloud or classic depends if you are using the handheld remotes in your class.

iclicker cloud

To use iclicker cloud you need to set up an iclicker cloud account. Go to iclicker.com and click Create an Account in the top right hand side. Note you also need to download the iclicker cloud app (https://www.iclicker.com/downloads/iclicker-cloud/) and you will run your session from the app. View the iclicker cloud integration instructions here.

Advantages

integration with canvas is better than iclicker classic as no manual download of roster or grades is needed as integration is automatic

Disadvantages

Its a little confusing for students with remotes as they register through iclicker student mobile and are notified their subscription has expired even though the remote still works so consider how many students are using remotes. Note students aren't charged for the used clicker if they register through the iclicker student sign up.

There is a glitch with iclicker cloud that if a student turns on their remote before a session starts it says closed on the remote and they will be unable to vote. You need to tell them to only turn on their remote after the session is started.

iclicker classic

View iclicker classic instructions here

Advantage

Beneficial if more students are using remotes as registration is done through canvas. Mobile can still be used.

Disadvantage

Integration is less seamless and roster needs to be manually downloaded and scores manually exported and imported.

Put the data collection notice in your course

Due to the canvas integration, a privacy notice is required for the use of iclicker. You are required to display the following text to students before they register for i>Clicker.  We recommend putting this in your long course outline or display to students in some manner before they register using the integration tool.

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The information on this form is collected under the authority of the University Act (R.S.B.C. 1996, c.468), and FIPPA Act section 26.c. 

The information is related directly to and needed by the University to facilitate engagement and interaction between the instructor and students. 

The information will be used by iClicker to facilitate engagement and interaction between the instructor and students in a face-to-face or virtual instructional space, score student responses, and record student attendance. 

If you have any questions about the collection and use of this information please contact the Centre for Educational Excellence, 8888 University Drive, Burnaby, BC V5A 1S6, 778.782.7115.A