iClickers
In April of 2007, MSU recommended and initiated support for two clicker (student response) systems: the iClicker and eIstruction (CPS RF) systems. Faculty members are still able to select the clicker system that best meets their pedagogical needs. Clicker systems help promote student learning by helping transform a lecture room into an active learning environment. Faculty who have adopted clickers as an integral part of their teaching portfolio do not want to go back to a traditional lecture environment. Students report the benefit of active participation, even in large lecture-style classrooms.
In Fall, 2006 there were 6 different clicker systems in use by almost 7,600 students in 24 courses. In Spring 2008, there are over 14,700 enrolled students using clickers in 45 courses, and only 4 different clicker systems are being used The reduction of clicker systems has resulted in less confusion and lower costs for students. Currently, the iClicker is used in 33 courses by almost 11,900 enrolled students and the eIstruction CPS clicker is used in 8 courses by over 1,150 enrolled students (based upon data obtained from the Spartan Bookstore as of 1/29/08).
Information for Students
If you are using the iClicker, you only need to purchase a single clicker for all your courses. The same clicker can be used in different semesters. You should make a copy of the identification number on the back of the clicker and keep it in a safe place in case the number on the clicker itself becomes obscured. You will need to use the clicker identification number if you register your clicker on the iClicker website. IMPORTANT: you should include only your MSU email address (e.g. sparty@msu.edu) in the box marked “Student ID,” you should NOT enter your PID.
If you are using the eInstruction CPS clicker, you only need to purchase a single clicker for all your courses. You should make a copy of the identification number on the back of the clicker and keep it in a safe place in case the number on the clicker itself becomes obscured. You will need to pay a registration fee which is currently a $35, one-time lifetime fee or a $13 per term fee, with a $39 maximum (3 terms of registration). You register your CPS clicker at the eInstruction website.
Information for Faculty
The iClicker currently best meets concerns for student cost and student data privacy; students only pay a one-time purchase price and use their MSU e-mail address when they register their clicker. However, it only supports multiple-choice or true-false type question formats (it does not support numeric responses). The eInstruction clicker supports numeric input. Support for an ANGEL interface that could reduce or eliminate the need for students to register their clicker with an outside party is currently under development.
MSU is supporting the different clicker systems through training programs offered through Libraries, Computing, and Technology Training Program (LCTTP). Information about current clicker courses can be found at LCTTP, and then type “clicker” in the search box. Additional details about the different supported clicker systems and the MSU rationale for their support can be found at Student Response Systems at MSU.
At the present time, MSU has not centralized the purchasing of clickers. Faculty who desire to use clickers should contact the appropriate vendor (iClicker or eInstruction) to order the clicker for their course. The choice to use clickers is just like any other textbook and ancillary material choice that faculty make and they need to communicate the information to the bookstore and vendor.
If faculty have any questions about the use of clickers when they are in the classroom, they should contact IMC at 353-3960. If questions arise when not in the classroom, (e.g., How do I upload the class grades for clickers into ANGEL?), contact the DLS Help Line at 355-2345.
