Clicker presentation

Enhancing learning via the use of “clickers”

Ronald Arendse

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Lecturer risks:

• Lack of expertise –fear of the unknown

• Fear of not being in control with new technology

Student risks:

•Students may lose focusof the intended outcomes•Poor lecturer expertisemay impact on degree ofengagement

ADAPTING TEACHING METHODS

ILS = “clicker”

Rationale for the study

• Foundation students sense of inadequacy

- special entrance

- require extra academic support

- English additional language

- Culture shock (social, emotional & academic expectation)

Rationale of the study (cont…)

• Non-participation in lectures and tutorials

- lecturers assume lack of ability

- lecturers rely on active participants

• Non-participation ≠ no potential

- difficult to diagnose causes of non-participation

• Logistical limitations on individual support

Victor Edmonds, UCLA

“Putting up your hand in class is a pretty complex thing, kind of dangerous, socially and academically. But everyone is willing to give anonymous answers. Everyone is equally involved and the answers are honest. And fast.”

STUDENT ENGAGEMENT

Challenges in Using ILS

• Technical issues

• Familiarity with system takes time

• Writing effective multiple choice questions

• Using ILS is time consuming

• The bases for student errors is not obvious

• Spontaneous adaptation may be necessary

• Class-wide discussion difficult to manage

Contact Details

Ronald Arendse

rarendse@uwc.ac.za