Clickers

==Session Objectives: ==


 * Introduce two main student response systems (clickers): SMART Response & eInstruction
 * Share best practice tips for using clickers in a classroom setting
 * Show where to find already-made lessons for the SMART Response clickers
 * Show how to create lessons and classes with the eInstruction software
 * Show how to use a lesson you created with a group

Overview of student response system (YouTube video; uses Qwizdom clickers)

What is the difference between eInstruction and Senteo/SMART Response? (word document; Wichita Public Schools)

Enhancing Skills With the SMART Response === ===

eI Community - online community for eInstruction users

SMART Exchange

===10 Strategies for Using Response Systems to Engage Students (from here) === As with all technological tools there are strategies and methods which are more effective than other techniques. The following are best practices for using a personal response system in a classrooms.  Read more at Suite101
 * 1) //Clicker Assignment// – numbering each PRS remote eases tracking and accountability. Assigning each student a specific remote organizes tracking of answers and ensuring student responsibility. Easing organization, distribution, and storage by using a clear [|calculator pocket chart] hung on wall near teacher’s desk.
 * 2) //Keep Questions Short// – this also includes keeping answers short. This strategy supports students’ ability to read and respond to questions quickly using clicker remotes. Do not make questions complex or tricky, response rates decline when students become confused with multipart questions.
 * 3) //Limit Answer Options// – too many answer options slow down student responses and consume too much class time, causing students to lose interest. Do not use more than five answer options to avoid these problems.
 * 4) //Integrate Questions Periodically During Lessons// – students tend to remain focused during lessons when then know that every five to ten minutes they are held accountable by questions via a PRS. It is also essential that students have no preparation time for questions, off the cuff responses provide a more accurate assessment of student understanding.
 * 5) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">//Keep Voting Simple// – allow no more than two options when voting with a PRS to avoid lengthy explanations, excessive invalid responses by students, and reducing interpretation time.
 * 6) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">//Think-Pair-Share// – students answer a question using the personal response system. After students see class results they pair up with other students to discuss their response to question. Student groups reach consensus about answer and then re-answer the question using the PRS. To wrap up, one member of each group shares their logic for supporting or changing their answer.
 * 7) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">//Stations// – as students rotate through stations they are required to answer one or two questions related to each station. This strategy keeps students on task by requiring them to use time wisely, due to the need to answer each station’s questions. This strategy works well with science and math stations.
 * 8) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">//Test Reviews// – use clickers for fun games such as bingo, baseball, football, and a modification of one person against 100.
 * 9) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">//Pre- and Post-Tests// – asking thought provoking pre-test questions provides an informal assessment of students’ prior knowledge and experiences with new content. Completing a post-test periodically not only saves paper, it also reduces chances for cheating.
 * 10) <span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;">//Do Not Overuse Personal Response System// – overuse leads to monotony and loss of student desire to provide accurate responses based on what they really think or know.

<span style="font-family: 'Trebuchet MS',Helvetica,sans-serif;"> - originally created for Papillion-La Vista Public School staff