iClickers and iClicker Cloud (CTE726)

Location: EV1 241  Notes: Open to faculty and staff (registration is required)

Description: “Clicker” is the generic name for devices that allow students to easily respond to an instructor’s in-class, multiple-choice or short-answer questions, and for the instructor to easily and instantly aggregate those responses. Clickers are primarily used for three reasons:

1. to increase student engagement;
2. to facilitate peer instruction;
3. to help an instructor gauge -- on the fly -- whether students are understanding course concepts.

At Waterloo, a brand of clicker known as the iClicker has been used since 2006. More recently, an app version of the iClicker – known as iClicker Cloud – has been introduced: students access or install iClicker Cloud on their smartphones or other mobile devices. iClickers and iClicker Cloud are effective tools for fostering student engagement, often by facilitating peer instruction. Instructors can also use these tools to easily provide themselves with real-time feedback about how well students are understanding course concepts. In this hands-on session, participants will learn about the functionality of iClickers and iClicker Cloud, including the advantages of each tool. Best practices for using them in class will also be explored.

Learning Outcomes:  After this session, participants will be able to:

• Describe the functionality of iClickers and iClicker Cloud;
• Use both tools effectively to foster student engagement and enhance student learning;
• Locate online or human resources to learn more about this tool or to get help in implementing it.

For a head start on the session, view this five-minute YouTube video Students and Teachers Speak: Clickers in the science classroom

Facilitators: Paul Kates, CTE 

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Accessibility

The University of Waterloo is committed to achieving barrier-free accessibility for persons with disabilities who are studying, working, or visiting at Waterloo. If you have questions concerning access, such as parking, building layouts, or obtaining information in alternative formats, or wish to request accommodations for a CTE workshop or event, please contact CTE via email (cte@uwaterloo.ca) or phone (ext. 33857) and include the session’s title and date. Our workshops typically involve a mix of presentation and discussion-based activities, and we encourage a scent-free environment. We also welcome accompanying assistants, interpreters, or note-takers; notify us if accommodations are needed in this regard. Please note that some accommodations may require time to arrange.