By: Matthew Davis

Effective Use of a Personal Response System in a General Education Plant Pathology Class

i>clicker Intros Web-based Clicker

Educational Technology Update: Audience Response Systems Improve Student Participation in Large Classes

CitationsConclusion

Quiz

Schaffhauser, D. (n.d.). i>clicker Intros Web-based Clicker -- THE Journal. THE Journal: Technological Horizons in Education -- THE Journal. Retrieved August 8, 2010, from http://thejournal.com/articles/2010/03/22/iclicker-intros-web-based-clicker.aspx?sc_lang=en

Society, T. A. (n.d.). APS Education Center Teaching Articles - Effective Use of a Personal Response System in a General Education Plant Pathology Class. Plant Pathology / Plant Disease Online - The American Phytopathological Society. Retrieved August 8, 2010, from http://www.apsnet.org/education/InstructorCommunication/TeachingArticles/PRSPathology/default.htm

UC TLtC: Educational Technology Update: Audience Response Systems Improve Student Participation in Large Classes. (n.d.). University of California | Office of the President. Retrieved August 8, 2010, from http://www.ucop.edu/tltc/news/2004/03/ars.php

Table of Contents

Electronic Personal Response Systems were designed in the 1990’s and have been used to quickly collect data in the classroom as well as other environments. PRS’ allow students to think more deeply and participate more in the learning process. Devices such as the i-clicker have been used in education to promote increased student participation and gather data on students.

The PRS can also be used to test student knowledge and give the educator instant feedback on the students’ level of understanding. When surveyed about 90% of students enjoyed using the i-clicker and 85% of students felt that their learning was actually enhanced by thins device. If 99% of the class got the right answer when polled the educators knew they could move on without wasting anymore class time.

While many students agree that these devices have helped them learn they are still apprehensive about their use because they are a piece of technology and could therefore fail which could affect their grade. The use of PRS’ also don’t allow students to just sit back and let others do all the participating; they force students to not only show up to class but to respond to the material as they work through it and this is a good thing. Table of

ContentsAh-ha!

I am forced to participate! I actually have to learn daily to get a

good grade! Finally the teacher knows I’m lost!

“It forced me to be more active, rather than just copying something down and not thinking about it” Random Student in response to the i-clicker

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The Web based clicker is a Online version of the i-clicker. This allows student to use almost any device that has internet capability to act as their response clicker. This is especially helpful for students with disabilities. This is because student with disabilities often require custom software and hardware to complete course work. The idea of an online response system opens up a rang of possibilities for these students.

Students with visual, auditory, or physical disabilities can use their custom designed equipment to access the web and respond in the classroom along side student without disabilities. This is a good thing for the general population as well because now it is no longer necessary to buy a specialized piece of gear.

I like the idea of a web based clicker simply because it could save me money. Most of us already have some means of accessing the internet while in class whether it be a phone, i-Pod, or computer. This means we would not have to buy another piece of useless gear that we will never use outside of the classroom. Also the fact that someone is looking out for the needs of the disabled in the classroom makes me more confident that our educational system in headed in a better direction.

Table of ContentsAh-ha!

Wow I don’t have to buy another useless item!

I get to use something I already have and am comfortable with!

Wow maybe we are developing tools to help others to learn and not just forgetting about them!

“When you think of people with disabilities first, you tend to make products better for the whole population” Renee Altier- General Manager i-clicker Table of

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The introduction of PRS has allowed educators to change the way they teach. Teachers who once used the hand raising method are now getting answers with more then twice the accuracy, as well as receiving instant feedback on the students understanding. Students can participate in class with complete anonomy and do not have to face any riticule form other students if they get an answer wrong so they are far more likely to participate and therefore are more likely to learn.

The professors and teachers have had to change the way they present their lectures but are now seeing a good response from the students. Better test scores and increased participation have lead to educational institutions installing these systems in their classrooms. The PRS has made large lecture halls feel like small personalized classrooms because student can an immediate response to their learning needs.

The idea that these systems will soon be in nearly every classroom is an exciting one for me. My generation is standing on the edge of change and I have the privilege of seeing the educational system revised and reformed in my life time. While being forced to participate and pay attention may not be ideal as a student I believe that as an educator I will love and cherish this tool.

Table of ContentsAh-ha!

I have had friends use these before and I could soon!

I am watching education change! I will probably be using this in my own

classroom someday.

"Several of our faculty are interested in engaging students and making them feel more connected, especially in large-enrollment classes," Victoria Cross, Assistant Director of the UC Davis

Teaching Resources Center Table of Contents

In what ways is the i>clicker used to enhance the educational experience?A)Encourages student participationB)Provides instant feedbackC)Aides educators in taking attendanceD)All of the above

Use the i>clicker to answer!

i>clicker

A

B

C

D

The i>clicker can perform all those tasks to better enhance the learning experience!

The answer you chose is correct; however, the i>clicker can perform all those tasks to enhance your educational experience!