Classroom Response Systems

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Clicker Checklist for Instructors

Still Undecided about Using Clickers?

  1. Read e-Learning's information page about clickers at NAU.
  2. Sign up or request training from e-Learning to get some hands-on experience with the clickers and learn the pros and cons.
  3. Read the research on how the use of clickers influences student engagement and learning.
  4. Read the troubleshooting info to make sure you won't have any compatibility issues.
  5. Talk to e-Learning staff or a colleague who has used clickers in the classroom.

Getting Ready for the New Semester

  1. Pre-order your clickers with the bookstore by filling out the request form. Using the form also gets you a free test kit.
  2. Download the CPS or CPS for PowerPoint software from eInstruction.com
  3. Start up the software and create a new database (this is where all your clicker data will be stored)
  4. Create a new class (you will do this for each section you teach, every semester you use clickers)
  5. While creating the class, you will be prompted to log in or create a new instructor account.
  6. When your class has been created, you will be given a class key. Write it down in a safe place.
  7. Optional: Register your own clicker as though you were a student following the student instructions.

Instructions for your students

  1. Tell them that clickers are required for your class and they can be purchased at the NAU Bookstore for $22
  2. Tell them that they must also go online and pay a $13/semester charge to register the clicker.
  3. Give them the class key for your class section so they can register the clicker for your class.
  4. Here is the website where they register their clicker. They should either create an account or log in with their preexisting account.
  5. Give them these instructions which will guide them through the process of registering the clicker.
  6. If they have problems, tell them to contact eInstruction's support for assistance.

Prepare your lesson

  1. Use the CPS or CPS for PowerPoint software to write a lesson with some clicker questions embedded.

Before class starts

  1. Connect your computer to the projector.
  2. Make sure you have a working Internet connection in the room. Wireless is ok, but wired is better.
  3. Plug the CPS receiver into your computer.
  4. Start up the CPS software and detect the receiver to be sure the system sees it.
  5. Open your class database. Students who have successfully registered will automatically show up in your roster.
  6. Open the lesson you created and wait for the students to arrive.

During class

  1. Engage the lesson and tell students to turn on their clickers. If they have registered, the clickers should automatically join the session.
  2. Start a clicker question and give students time to respond. End the question and view the results.
  3. Advance to the next question or end the session.

After class

  1. Look in the reports tab to analyze your class data.