Classroom Response Systems:
iClickers
NJIT Physics Department
August 2008
Goals for this Talk
Why use clickers.
What are some of the mechanics of using
them, from student point of view.
How we plan to use Clickers
Tried last Fall in Prof Gary’s Phys 121 course with good student
reactions.
Low-stakes applications that count toward your grade


“lecture quizzes” & attendance
less paper shuffling, reliable as long as students do not forget their
clickers
Questions interspersed with lecture material
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Break up long classes into bite-sized chunks
Participatory, chance to make classes more interactive
Immediate feedback: is the class following the material? Should we go
on or make the point again?
Clickers cost some class time: about 3 min per question, plus
possible repeat of material
How Did Past Students Like It?
Student evaluation results: What are the best features of this
course?

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

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I liked the i-clicker
iClicker
The powerpoint slideshows with notes. The iClickers.
We used iClicker in Lecture. This program was excellent in helping us
stay involved with the lecture.
The Iclickers were something new to try.
Powerpoint with Clicker
Powerpoint Presentations.
During the course, students clearly enjoyed discussions generated
by the iClickers.
The iClickers generated very few complaints.

A couple of students (2-3) resisted responding, or stopped bringing
them to class. However, they were marked absent if they did not
respond at all, so there was some incentive.
Requirements
iClicker is required as part of the course

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Similar to requiring a text for the course
Can be purchased at the NJIT bookstore
iClicker use will be integrated into the course


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To be used during most or all lectures/discussions
iClicker questions will be worked into subject matter
Some related issues (“My iClicker doesn’t work”,
or “I forgot my iClicker.”) More later.
The Clicker
“Clicker” is the familiar term for Classroom
Response System.
The iClicker is one of many on the market, but
has some advantages



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Excellent design (both hand unit and entire system)
Simplicity
Ruggedness
Use of common AAA batteries
Students buy their iClickers at the bookstore
for ~$40. The price per course becomes
negligible if widely used on campus)
The bookstore has agreed to buy them back,
in good condition, for about 1/3 to ½ of the
cost new.
How will we use the clicker?

I pose questions on the screen during
lecture.

You answer using your i>clicker remote.

Class results are tallied.

I can display a graph with the class
results on the screen.

We discuss the questions and answers.

You can get points (for participating
and/or answering correctly)! These can
be recorded (e.g., for quizzes and
attendance).
How do you vote?
Turn on the clicker by
pressing the bottom
“On/Off” button.
A blue “Power” light
will appear at the top
of the remote.
How do you vote?
When I ask a question in
class, make sure your clicker
is on.
I may also ask you to talk
about your possible
choice/answer with your
neighbor or in groups.
When I start the timer,
select A, B, C, D, or E as your
vote.
How do you know your vote was received?
Check your “Vote Status” Light:
 Green light = your vote was sent
AND received.
 Red flashing light = you need to
vote again.
Not sure you saw the light? Just
vote again.
Want to change your vote? You can
vote again as long as the timer is still
going.
Sample Question
1. What is your major field?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Engineering
Science
Math
Computer Science or Technology
Other
Sample Question
2. How many years have you been at NJIT?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Less than 1 year
1 year
2 years
3 years
More than 3 years
Sample Question
3. How have you used classroom technology
in the past?
I use my laptop computer in class a lot.
B. I have used clickers of some kind regularly
before.
C. Many of my instructors use computerprojected slides.
D. I am a traditionalist, and I do not like to use
classroom technology.
E. All of choices A, B, and C above
A.
Clickers
4. What do you think of the idea of using
clickers in your class?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
I like it!
Hmm, sounds interesting.
I have to be convinced.
Sounds difficult/complicated/worthless.
I doubt that I will like it.
I hate it.
ESP
5. I am thinking of a letter from A to E. See
if you can pick up my thoughts.
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
I
I
I
I
I
am
am
am
am
am
thinking
thinking
thinking
thinking
thinking
of
of
of
of
of
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
ESP-2
6. Let’s do it again, but show the graph while you
select your answer. I am thinking of a letter
from A to E. What letter am I thinking of?
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
I
I
I
I
I
am
am
am
am
am
thinking
thinking
thinking
thinking
thinking
of
of
of
of
of
A.
B.
C.
D.
E.
Registering your i>clicker
You earn points for your i>clicker
responses [for participation and/or
answering questions correctly].
Until you register your i>clicker, your
responses are tied to your clicker remote ID
(located on the back of your clicker), rather
than to your name.
When you do register, your previously
recorded voting responses (if any) can be
assigned to you.
Registering your iClicker for
this course
Look for your name to appear on a roster
as it is projected.
Example roster:
(Last name,
first name,
student ID)
ANDERSON, Daniel, 0267
BROWN, Joshua, 9723
DAVIS, Madison, 2319
GARCIA, Sophia, 5129
HARRIS, Andrew, 4306
JACKSON, Christopher, 7309
JOHNSON, Emily, 2291
Registering your i>clicker in class

Your name/ID will
scroll down the
screen.

When you see your
name or ID, press the
letter shown beside it.

Another letter will
then appear. Press
that second letter.

You are registered!
Potential Problems
“I forgot my clicker”— instructor will have one
or two “loaners” (ask for these before class)
“My clicker is broken”—again, can provide a
loaner or replacement. Only two of 70 clickers
gave any problems during the semester.
Students loaning their clicker to a classmate,
and not showing up for class
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This is regarded as cheating, so don’t do it.
It is obvious when someone is working two clickers.