Frequently Asked Questions
Purchasing and Registering Clickers Questions, concerns, or comments? |
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What is a student response system?
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. Clickers have been used extensively to review for quizzes and tests, to direct classroom discussions, and to provide feedback on course material.
Which student response card are supported by the University of Iowa?
The ResponseCard RF is now the standard "clicker" for the University. Other clicker technologies have been used on the campus and may still be used occasionally in various departments. However, the ResponseCard from Turning Technologies is now the preferred technology on campus and the one supported by ITS.
Whom should I contact if I need help?
If your instructor is unable to answer your questions, feel free to contact the ITS Helpdesk with your questions. Otherwise, you can email us at:
clicker-support@uiowa.edu
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Purchasing and Registering Clickers: |
Will I be required to buy a ResponseCard ("Clicker")? Where will I be able to get one?
If you are required to purchase a ResponseCard, it will be listed on your syllabus and available for purchase with your textbooks in The University of Iowa Bookstore and Iowa Book. The cost is $37.35. Since this is now the standard clicker on campus, you may be using it for several classes during your time at the University. If you buy one, you can re-use it for your other classes that require the Clicker. Otherwise, you will be able to sell it back.
How do I register my Clicker?
You will need to go HERE to register your clicker. You will need to provide your Hawk ID and the device ID for your clicker.
Where do I find my device ID number? The device ID number should be alpha-numeric, but can it be all numbers?
The device ID number is located on the back of your Clicker under the bar code. The device ID number will be either a 6 digit alpha-numeric code or a 6 digit numeric code. While it is possible to have an ID with numbers only, the numbers are hexadecimal. The numbers can only be 0-9 and A-F. For example, the number will not contain any O's or I's. Make sure you take the used sticker off the back of the clicker to find your device ID number. Do not use the number that is part of the bookstore's bar code. |
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Can I share a Clicker with a friend?
No. Only one clicker can be registered for one student per semester. You cannot share a clicker. If you are borrowing a clicker from a friend, make sure they will not be using it during the term. You will need to re-register that particular clicker for yourself for the entire semester. You cannot change clickers during the term, and there is no re-registering of a specific clicker during the term.
Can I borrow a Clicker from a friend?
Yes, but... If you know that your friend will not be using their clicker for the entire semester, you can borrow it, but be sure to register it under your name for the term. Remember, that a clicker can only be registered to one student for the term.
Also note, that there are other response devices have been used on campus in the past. These will no longer work on campus, since we have adopted the ResponseCard campus-wide. You need to make sure you use the ResponseCard RF from Turning Technologies, which is available through the University of Iowa bookstore or Iowa Book.
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Clicker Issues: |
What if I’ve lost my Clicker?
We are working to organize a ResponseCard lost and found with the ITS Helpdesk. If you have lost your clicker, either check with the nearest departmental office or with the ITS Helpdesk to see if it has been found. If you happen to find a lost keypad, please turn it in to either your instructor, your department office or the ITS Helpdesk. If you still cannot find it, notify your instructor, and they can make arrangements to temporarily borrow one from ITS. If you cannot find it, you may be required to purchase another one, so hang on to the one you have.
Why is my Clicker not working?
Double check to make sure the batteries are not dead. When you hit a button, the LED light in the upper left corner should light up. If it does not, you will need to change the batteries. The ResponseCard ("Clicker") takes two round watch batteries (Number: 2032).
When a poll is open and the light turns red when you enter your response, your Clicker is not on the correct channel. Check with your instructor to verify which channel you should be on. Then follow the steps below to change the channel on your ResponseCard. Note: the newer clickers have a "Ch" button instead of the "Go" button. The function is the same.
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What channel should my Clicker be set to for my class?
Your instructor should tell you at the beginning of the course what the channel is for your classroom. Otherwise, if you know the classroom you will be in, you can find out on our ITS website at:
http://its.uiowa.edu/support/srs/classroomchannel.shtml
I've registered my Clicker with my professor, but it flashes yellow and my responses are not recorded?
Are you on the correct channel? If your Clicker is on the wrong channel, it will flash orange/yellow for 8 seconds. On the 9th second,
it will turn red. Try changing the channel on the Clicker. Your professor will need to tell you what channel to
set it to. |
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Are you on the Faculty Member's student roster? If your teacher has asked for your Device ID number and put the numbers into a list, it is possible that you professor has selected to not accept responses from devices not currently on the list. Check with your professor to ensure your device has been included in the list and that the Device ID number is not incorrectly typed. |
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Is polling open on the professor's presentation? If it is not currently a polling slide, polling will not be open and you will not receive a green light. |
Why does the ResponseCard classroom clicker flash different colors?
- Green: Confirmation that the RF Receiver has received a response from the ResponseCard.
- 1 Yellow: The ResponseCard is sending a signal and waiting for confirmation from the RF Receiver.
- 7 Yellow and 1 Red: Your Clicker is set to a different frequency than the receiver. You need to change your channel to match the receiver.
- Red: Response not received by the RF Receiver.
- Green and Red: In Channel Changing mode.
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Returns and Buyback: |
What do I do if I need to return my Clicker, in case I need to drop a class?
The University of Iowa Bookstore: Clicker returns would be same as textbooks. Receipt is required and must be returned within the specified time limits. Dates are set for each semester - posted on the UI Bookstore website and at point of sale.
Iowa Book Return: Students can return undamaged clickers for a full refund the first three weeks of the semester. For the fall semester, the last day to return will be Sept. 14th. They must have their receipt. This deadline is extended two more weeks to Sept. 28th with a receipt and drop-slip. If it is determined that a clicker is no longer in new condition, the student would get the used value. In this case, $28.00.
Can I sell-back my Clicker?
The University of Iowa Bookstore: Buy back would be 50% of retail - quantities bought would be dependent upon adoptions and existing inventory.
Iowa Book - Buy Back: Assuming that the clickers are reordered for the spring semester, they will buy them back for half the new price minus the cost of replacing the batteries. If the price remains the same, the student would get $18.00.
Will I be able to trade in my Clicker if a new model comes out?
Yes, you will. When the next model comes out, you will be able to trade it in at the University Bookstore for a small fee. You will also be able to trade it in through Turning Technologies.
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Miscellaneous Questions: |
How can I get clickers for my student event?
Contact Lora McKee Anderson with ITS Instructional Services to arrange to rent a set of Clickers and a receiver for your event. You will also need a computer with the TurningPoint software on it. The software can be downloaded from the ITS website. Otherwise, the majority of computers in the classrooms on campus have the TurningPoint software installed.
How can I recommend clickers be used in classes I take?
Contact your instructors, department heads or Lora McKee Anderson with ITS Instructional Services.