Classroom Clicker Technology Encourages Interactive Learning
02/12/2005
When Dr. Megan Donahue, Associate Professor in the Physics-Astronomy department, asks her class “What would happen to the Moon’s orbit if Earth were much smaller, but of the same mass?” all 250 students answered at once. You might expect this to cause a mighty confusing din. But the students in Integrative Studies in Physical Sciences 205 aren’t shouting out their answers simultaneously; they’re using classroom “clicker” technology that tabulates their responses in real time. Dr. Donahue instantly knows how many students chose the right answer and so do all the students.
Known more formally as “response-pad systems,” the technology comprises three components:
- A hand-held transmitter, somewhat similar to a remote control for a television, that each student uses to register her response to questions
- A receiver that the instructor uses to capture students’ responses onto a computer
- Software that displays aggregate responses in real time, and that privately records individual responses for grading purposes
Dr. Donahue says these systems give her instant feedback as to how well the material is understood. If a large percentage of the class doesn’t get the right answer, that’s a sign that a concept needs further explanation and follow-up questions. The systems also give instant feedback to the students individually and collectively. Dr. Donahue says, “The process helps students develop meta-cognitive skills, it’s important to know when you don’t understand a concept.” Under the traditional lecture-and-test model, a student may not know he didn’t really grasp a concept until he misses a question on an exam.
For her ISP class, Dr. Donahue gives students points not only for attendance, but for participation. Even when a student gives a wrong answer, she gets points for answering the question. Students also receive a small bonus for correct answers.
Several classrooms at MSU have been equipped with response systems from a variety of vendors representing a range of technologies. ISP 205 meets in room 1410 Biomedical and Physical Sciences Building, which is equipped with receivers from H-ITT (”Hyper-Interactive Learning Technology,” sometimes referred to as “HITT,” http://www.h-itt.com ).
Students purchase their own clickers at prices in the $10 to $30 range. Textbook publishers are partnering with vendors to offer discounts on these products. In Dr. Donahue’s case, the publisher of the text she assigns, Addison-Wesley, bundles a clicker coupon with each book. The HITT clicker lists for $30 and the publisher rebate is $25.
Some vendors charge a fee in the range of $5 to $15 per semester in order to activate the clicker. Thus the combined cost for the clicker and for activation is roughly the cost of buying a new textbook. Most vendors allow a student to pay the fee once for use in multiple courses in a semester. It’s likely that a market akin to that for used books will evolve, though purchasers of used clickers may have to pay for their own activation.
Early products use infrared (IR) to transmit between the clicker and the receiver. This requires that the classroom be set up with IR receivers. These clickers exhibit performance similar to that of a TV or audio remote used at home. You have to aim the clicker towards the receiver, and range is limited.
Newer products use radio-frequency (RF) signals between clicker and receiver. RF clickers work over longer distances, are less directional, can handle more students, and register results faster. Some RF receiver models are small enough for the faculty member to carry with a laptop, requiring no special installation in a fixed classroom location. It’s possible that the advantages of RF may dictate the trend of this nascent technology.
Working with faculty who are using the technology, Dr. Byron Brown, Coordinator of Instructional Technology Support for Libraries, Computing & Technology, has prepared a chart that summarizes the classrooms now equipped with the technology; the faculty using it; and the costs for a clicker, for the capture software, and for equipping each classroom. A copy of this chart in Acrobat PDF form is at:
http://computing.msu.edu/documents/2005-02-classroom-clickers-chart.pdf
David Gift, Vice Provost for Libraries, Computing & Technology, has written a memo for academic deans and interested faculty outlining some issues surrounding this new technology. The memo discusses choices facing faculty and the university in terms of which vendors to choose and how TLE funds should be allocated for future uses. The memo appears in Acrobat PDF format at:
http://computing.msu.edu/documents/2005-02-response-pad-technology.pdf
If you’re curious about that question about the Earth’s mass and the Moon’s orbit: Dr. Donahue says that the moon’s orbit would be exactly the same if the Earth were much smaller but with the same mass; the orbit is determined by gravitational pull, which depends solely on mass.
Financial Aid System Improvements: eFinaid Replaces YourAid
02/08/2005
A new financial aid system, eFinaid, is now online. The new system makes it easier for students and their families to understand processing requirements for financial aid, and to check the status of their financial aid application. eFinaid has been added to StuInfo (http://stuinfo.msu.edu), MSU’s student gateway to academic and financial records.
The new system consolidates financial aid information in one Web address. eFinaid replaces the YourAid Web site, as well as the financial aid feature that previously existed in StuInfo. The new system offers these features:
- Students and their guests view their current status in a step-by-step approach to completing all requirements necessary to apply for and finalize aid. The steps include:
- FAFSA application status
- Additional documentation requirements
- Office of Financial Aid (OFA) processing status
- Viewing your awards
- Actions required to finalize loans
- Aid disbursement information
- Ability to report other aid to OFA
- Ability to report enrollment plans and/or graduate assistantships to OFA
- Ability to apply for summer aid
Students and their guests can check out the improvements at http://stuinfo.msu.edu by clicking on the eFinaid menu link. (Students can set up “guest” accounts for parents or guardians to view financial aid information online.)
Save Electricity: Minimize PC Power Consumption (WKAR Radio Interview)
02/04/2005
With always-on Internet connections becoming commonplace, it’s especially tempting to leave your computer on all the time. But computers can consume a lot of electricity. You should turn your computer off when not in use — or at the least, enable your computer’s Energy Star power management so that you consume minimal power when you’re not actively using your computer. You’ll save money, cut down on pollution, and save resources.
Author and MSU technologist Rich Wiggins tells 90.5 WKAR’s Scott Pohl it’s easy to use your computer whenever you want, and save energy at the same time.
Save Some Electricity… Power Down Your Computer
Notice Regarding Possible Exposure of Personal Information
02/01/2005
On January 27, 2005, Academic Computing and Network Services (ACNS) learned of an intrusion into the server that hosts Michigan State University’s library catalog system, Magic.msu.edu. ACNS immediately took the server offline and began an investigation. We have found no evidence that the intruders specifically invaded the server in search of personal information, or that personal data were compromised in any way. However, because of the nature of the data stored on the system we thought it best to provide this notice.
The Magic server housed a dataset regarding approximately 100,000 members of the MSU community (students enrolled in the last 5 years, present and past active library users, and currently appointed faculty, adjunct faculty and staff). This dataset, which is used to verify library borrowing privileges, includes names, addresses, and Social Security and student numbers.
As people are aware, there are constant attacks on computer systems. Many of MSU’s peer universities have suffered similar incidents. This intrusion into the Magic system occurred despite a variety of system security mechanisms already in place, which had thwarted attacks in the past. ACNS is continually reviewing and updating security measures, and will continue to monitor security on the systems it maintains.
As a matter of good practice, individuals should regularly monitor activity on their credit and bank accounts, and should regularly change passwords on important accounts, including MSUnet account. It is prudent to check your credit history with the three major U.S. credit agencies at least once a year. Consumers also may ask the credit agencies to flag their accounts so that new credit requests require explicit approval by the individual before new accounts are opened.
For further information please see the following Web site:
http://computing.msu.edu/announce
If you have any questions or concerns, please contact the ACNS Hotline at 517-432-7301, Monday-Friday 8:00am – 5:00pm EST, beginning Wednesday, February 2, 2005.
