Testing with Clickers
9/16/2010: e-Learning does not recommend using clickers for testing at this time. The latest version of the software is not reliable for testing. The company is promising a new release soon that they say will fix this issue.
Overview: Clickers are ordinarily used in TMA (Teacher Managed Assessment) mode, but they can also be used as a scantron replacement during testing. In SMA (Student Managed Assessment) mode, the instructor provides students with a paper test and the students enter answers on their clickers at their own pace. When done answering a question, students click the right arrow on their clickers to move to the next question. Students can use the left arrow to go back and answer a skipped question. Students can also, if you allow it, change their answers. It is even possible to create multiple versions of tests to discourage cheating. In this case, students are prompted for a test version number when they begin. One of the benefits of using clickers is that the moment the test is closed, it is graded. You can then review the correct answers with students while the questions are fresh in their minds.
Warning: Testing is a high stakes activity and instructor familiarity with the basic functions of the system is essential. Even when prepared, things can go wrong. Always have a backup plan. In your worst-case scenario, students should answer on paper and turn those in. If you're worried that the technology might not work, bring enough scantrons for the whole class.
Preparation: After you have written your test(s), use the FastGrade function of the CPS Full Release software (not CPS for PowerPoint) to create an answer key for each version. The software is available for both Windows and Mac as a free download from einstruction.com.
- Open the CPS software (the blue CPS icon) and then open your class database.
- Under the Prepare tab, select the Lessons and Assessments tab.
- Click the New button and select FastGrade Lesson... from the dropdown menu and the Lesson Attributes box will appear.
- If you will have multiple test versions, each version needs a Unique Identifier. Otherwise, leave that box blank.
- On the FastGrade screen, create your answer key. You do not need to type in the questions. For example, if question 1 on your test is a Multiple Choice question with 5 possible answers, and the correct answer is B, click on B under the MC 5 column. The system will automatically advance to the next question, which is indicated in the lower right. Use the Next and Previous buttons at the bottom of the window to navigate and click OK when done.
Use the FastGrade Lesson to create an answer key for your test.
The Unique Identifier box specifies the version number. Students will be prompted for this before they begin the test.
Test Setup: Pass out the paper tests to your students and get the CPS system ready for the test.
- Under the Engage tab, select the Lessons and Assessments tab.
- Select your test(s) by checking the box(es) to the left of the new FastGrade lesson(s) you created.
- Click the Engage Options button and select Assessment Setup/Student Paced.
- In the Settings menu, select Delivery Options... and pick the Student Managed tab. Be sure that the box is checked to allow Manual Advance.
- While you're in Delivery Options, it's a good idea to click the Receiver tab and click Detect Receiver. If nobody can join, that's what's wrong.
If you click on a test name above, you can see the questions that are part of that test.
Note above that both test versions are now listed in the white text box in the upper right.
Student Paced allows students to advance at their own pace using the < and > keys on the clicker.
If students can't advance to the second test question, ensure that Manual Advance is allowed.
If nobody can join, click Detect CPS Receiver. It should be of the Gen2 RF type.
Engage Test: Once you Start the test, you can watch as the answers are being entered. Students who arrive late (after the Start) will no longer be able to join and will need to enter answers on paper.
- Click the Engage button to allow students to join. At this point, be sure the projector screen is turned off so students can't see each other's answers.
- Click the Start button to allow students to begin taking the test. Each student's answers will appear in real time as they answer.
- Click the Options button at the bottom of the Instructor Feedback screen for control over additional settings.
