Why use iClicker? (Scroll down for instructions on use)
The i>clicker, student response system is now integrated into Blackboard.
The integration with Blackboard will allow you to more easily manage the registration of a particular clicker to a particular student, create the roster that is used by the iclicker software to identify users and make results accessible to students via the grade center in Blackboard so that students can monitor their progress.
Who’s using them on campus:
- Computer Sciences: Bob Geitz, Roberto Hoyle
- Chemistry: Matt Elrod
- Biology: Yolanda Cruz
- Physics: Rob Owen, Melinda Keller, Stephen FitzGerald, Jason Stalnaker
Why and how to use clickers in your course. Short Video Explanations from i>Clicker.
How to use iClickers
Download
To use the clickers, the Instructor will need some software on their laptop. These packages also include the instructors guide on how to use the software. If you have trouble installing the software, simply give us a call (775-8345) or email octet@oberlin.edu.
To install and get started …
- Select the appropriate installer from the Oberlin specific options (Mac or Windows). If you’re still running Sierra on your Mac follow these directions.
- Once you’ve installed the software, you’ll need to start it up and connect it to your course. Open the iClicker application. You do not need to register, but you can if you like.
- Click Create to create a new session. Highlight the created course and click settings. If you have your own iClicker (not needed but can be handy) you can set it as the instructor iClicker here. You also can set the “frequency” code – it should be fine to use whatever is currently set. The frequency code can be important if there are other classes nearby that are also using clickers. There are other settings here you can change if you like, but are not necessary.
Instructor will need a base, which can be borrowed from OCTET (Mudd 052) or requested from iclicker. The base must be attached to the computer you are presenting from (plug one end of the cord into the usb port of your computer, and one into the “To Computer” port of the base).
Participants will need clickers (but see below). Clickers can be ordered through the bookstore in the same way that faculty indicate which book they will be using for the class. Students can then purchase an iclicker. They do not need a different iclicker for each course. They can register their iclicker through Blackboard and use the same iclicker for multiple courses.
During the presentation When you want to begin polling, link up your base station, open your presentation, and open the iClicker program on your desktop. Click on the course you created earlier and click “Start Polling”. A message should pop up within a minute or so giving you the frequency code that your participants need to enter on their iClickers to connect to your course, and the instructions to do so. A small window should open on your screen allowing you to control the polling. You can start and stop polling, and pull up the results by clicking on the graph button. There is also a settings button if you need to adjust the settings. If you have an iClicker connected as an instructor iClicker, you can control your presentation and the polling by selecting the buttons on the iClicker instead of having to click on your computer, but you will not be able to vote.
Feel free to come by the OCTET office in Mudd 052 or email us octet@oberlin.edu to try out the iClickers, ask questions, or borrow a base.
Other Notes
This software is compatible with version 5.04 on the base station. If you have an older version of the firmware on your basestation you can either upgrade the firmware using the utility provide by iclicker or download a previous version of the desktop software.
Instructions for getting your software connected to your Blackboard grade book can be found here
Using the iclicker, polling software without a base station or clicker:
Additionally, i>clicker software can be used without a base station or clickers. Students simply use their phones, laptops or tablets. This is called REEF polling. To use this feature instructors need to create a course site that will accept answers that are not from the separate devices i.e. REEF polling accessible AND the students will need to register their device. The cost of registering the device is less then the cost of purchasing a clicker but not by much.
Clickers cost about $30-40 with a $10-20 buy back by the bookstore when the student is finished using the clicker. The REEF registration has costs associated with it.
For more info, visit the i>Clicker site at https://www1.iclicker.com/products/reef-polling/
Clickers cost about $30-40 with a $10-20 buy back by the bookstore when the student is finished using the clicker. The REEF registration has costs associated with it.
For more info, visit the i>Clicker site at https://www1.iclicker.com/products/reef-polling/
