Clickers are devices used in classrooms that allow teachers to ask questions and then receive students’ responses within seconds. The devices are similar to a TV remote and work using the same technology. A student can purchase a Clicker, or for a cheaper cost a student can download a simulated version that can be used with wireless technology. The device seems to be most commonly used at the undergraduate level in large science classes.
One advantage of using such a device would be in knowing the percentage of students who got a question correct or incorrect. If 85% of the class gets a question wrong, the professor knows within seconds that further explanation is needed. Clickers can also be used as a way to take attendance because each device can be assigned to a specific student.
The following link from EDUCAUSE (http://www.educause.edu/ir/library/pdf/ELI7002.pdf) describes 7 things you should know about Clickers.
Over the next few weeks, I will be providing links that will help you understand better the applications and uses for Clickers. If you have any questions or suggestions, please feel free to post a comment. I will do my best to post the best possible information.
Happy clicking!
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4 comments:
I can see how clickers would help those teachers who are trying to involve all students especially those who are shy and do not like to raise their hands during class.
This type of device would make it easier for them to answer a question and still remain somewhat anonymous.
I am looking forward to learning more about this subject thank you for the info this week
Thanks for sharing this description! I saw clickers in action in a Chittenango High School physics class last fall and they worked really well. The teacher used them to assess her own teaching as well as students' learning. She would post 5 multiple choice questions at the beginning of class, have students respond to them using clickers, teach a lesson that explains the concepts, then have students answer the same questions again at the end of class using their clickers, at which point she could tell what students had learned and what confusions remained.
I too look forward to hearing more soon!
Ace--
I think this is a great self-assessment tool for teachers especially in a technical subject.
I also like the idea of empowering shyer students to participate. Having been a student who hesitated to participate, I would have relished the ability to do so anonymously from my classmates.
In some ways this device might also empower those students who hold back from responding because they don't want their classmates to think they are the teacher's pet or a nerd. I definitely see the possibilities.
Thanks!
Techlearner--
Thank you for sharing your experience with clickers in an actual classroom. I have to admit that until I received this assignment, I had never heard of them before.
I can definitely see their application more clearly now.
Thanks!
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