Since the 2009 standardization of the i>clicker on CSULB campus, there has been much buzz about the new classroom technology.
Leslie Kennedy, director of instructional technology support services, is optimistic about clickers' legitimacy as a teaching tool.
"Simplicity and reliability are key. The i>clicker's response system seems to help with keeping students focused on course material."
However, Shaheh Shabanian, a civil engineering major at CSULB, has his qualms with the technology.
"Every time I forget it, I lose points! I know the answers, I just hate having to rely on the thing to get credit!"
As an answer to the complaints of students like Shabanian, the i>clicker service now also offers a feature called Web>clicker, which allows students to use laptops, phones, and other wireless devices to respond under their i>clicker ID.
Many feel that this device is an efficient way to do certain in-class activities and promote attendance. Anonymity offers more accurate answers. The survey-and-answer method is good for large class sizes (100+ people in a lecture hall). It also allows both class and teacher to see how much was understood by students, according to surveys of professors at Northwestern University and Colorado University at Boulder.
Is the i>clicker an effective tool? All experimental technology has its pros and cons. Students will just have to keep their clickers at the ready to find out.
i>Clicker's site:
http://www.iclicker.com/dnn
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