Student Response Systems - "Clickers"

What are Student Response Systems?

clicker Student Response Systems are also referred to as "Clickers, "Audience Response Systems" or "Personal Response Systems". Clickers allow students to enter responses via a small wireless device that records responses through software and a radio frequency receiver to the instructor station in a classroom.
Instructors build a PowerPoint presentation with built-in response indicators and ask students to respond to certain slides during the presentation. Student response systems have been around the educational world since about 1998 and their use is increasing at a rapid rate.

Why Use Them?

circle logo The most beneficial thing about using student response systems in the classroom is that the instructor receives immediate feedback from the students. This could change the course of the lecture in a matter of minutes or it may verify that the students have a clear understanding of the concepts being presented. Clickers have also been proven to keep students more engaged in the classroom which in turn promotes active learning and collaboration.