Click to Learn

Post date: Dec 19, 2011 2:18:12 AM

Student response systems are a unique tool for differentiated instruction, formative assessments, and the capture of data in real time. They promote active learning by allowing all students to "vote" with a dedicated clicker, phone, or mobile device. Mr. Fant in the history department uses this tool with his classes on a regular basis. He says, "The use of clickers is fun, my students forget that they are learning and instead see it as a game. With clicker technology the instructor can teach to the whole class rather than just the enthusiastic few that are most likely having little trouble with the concepts."

Want to get started with clickers in the classroom? We can help! The library has a set of thirty Turning Point clickers. We love Turning Point because the software (which you can download to your computer for free) integrates beautifully with PowerPoint, making it easy to add student participation to your existing presentations. Our online tutorial is coming soon, and the clickers can checked out from the library today.

Another great (and free!) student response system is Poll Everywhere. Teachers, you saw this site demonstrated at our Nov. 1st professional day by the first presenter of the morning. With Poll Everywhere, students use their own devices, texting responses or entering them online using a smartphone, mobile device, or laptop. Answers can be multiple choice or open ended, including text, which opens up a world of possible applications.

Don't have the time to master a new technology? It would be my pleasure to help you implement the software and run the "tech" side of your first lesson using Turning Point or Poll Everywhere in the library or your classroom, so you can focus on the learning.

There's no better way to head off the winter doldrums for you or your classes than by mixing things up with student response systems!