Unique Processes Help Clicker Implementation at UW-Green Bay
At UW-Green Bay, many unique processes occur behind the scenes to ensure successful implementation of Student Response Systems, or clickers for instructional use. First, the Learning Technology Center (LTC) requires all instructors who plan to use clickers to let them know before the following semester’s course schedule is due. Once the classes are flagged in the PeopleSoft Student Information System (SIS), they appear in the course catalog as clicker classes so students are aware of the fact that they must have clickers and pay a clicker rental fee (which occurs automatically via the SIS when they register) for the class.
When the semester begins, students check out the clickers from the library circulation desk, much as they would a book or other resource. This upcoming fall 2009 semester, there will be an additional step in the checkout process that will also register the student clickers – this will link the student information with the clicker device ID and send it to a roster that instructors can download and use with the clicker software. In the past, students registered themselves on a separate web page, but they would often make mistakes or neglect to register their clickers resulting in no participation credit or other problems. The new automated registration process will eliminate such problems.
At the end of the semester, clickers are returned to the library (if not, a fee will be applied to the student’s account). The library staff then cleans the clickers and checks them for any major blemishes or technical problems. The LTC staff also replaces the batteries and upgrades the firmware for all clickers annually.
Initially, there was significant growth in clicker use, but in recent semesters, the number has plateaued at about 25-30% of the student population using clickers each term. Green Bay’s clicker processes work very effectively, and they help students and instructors easily incorporate clickers in the classroom to enhance teaching and learning.
Here is a video that provides a nice overview of clickers and examples of how they are used at UW-Green Bay (created in Fall 2008): Link to Introduction to Clickers YouTube Video.
Submitted by Leif Nelson
UW-Green Bay