Student-response systems 'that give you instant feedback'

A classroom full of eyes blink and stare as you explain an important concept. Did your students grasp it? Often, you have to wait for the results of a high-stakes test to find out.

i>clickers can help put an end to that sea of blank stares.

The classroom technology collects students’ answers and opinions in real-time through an electronic polling system, allowing instructors to assess what their students know, or don’t know, about a given topic.

The handheld electronic devices are also designed to increase student engagement in the classroom by enabling them to instantly provide their answers and feedback. 

Beginning in September 2017, Concordia’s Instructional and Information Technology Services (IITS) and the Centre for Teaching and Learning (CTL) will be assisting faculty who want to bring the i>clicker experience into their teaching practice.

And now, thanks to the introduction of REEF polling technology, students will be able to choose between using an i>clicker handheld device or an app installed on their own mobile devices.

The CTL will be hosting an information session on the i>clicker on May 10.

Robert Cassidy, director of the CTL, says clicker technology helps improve communication in the classroom and facilitate assessment.

“Student response systems give you instant feedback on what your students are thinking and help you gauge their comprehension on a given topic,” he adds.

“Sometimes it comes as a real shock, but it helps you adjust your teaching. It’s like having a sixth sense in the classroom. In fact, using these response systems in a certain way allows me to convert a relatively large class, say 50-80 students, into a discussion-based class. It’s pretty powerful. They’re also incredibly useful in obtaining student input on sensitive subject matter.”

John Bentley, program coordinator and instructional developer for the Centre for Teaching and Learning, points out that the technology also levels the playing field by “increasing participation rates among more introverted students, especially in large classrooms.”

Register for the i>clicker information session on May 10. Email the Centre for Teaching and Learning to find out about future info sessions or to request individual support.