The Lumberjack

Issue date: 10/3/07 Section: Campus

With class sizes increasing at Humboldt State, some instructors are turning to innovative methods to engage their students. Interactive Response Devices, or clickers, are one of these ways.

Clickers are small wireless devices about the size of a basic calculator. Each student uses their own clicker to answer questions embedded into classroom presentations. A central receiver collects and stores the data, tallying responses and providing individual feedback.

Clickers have been around for a number of years, but this is the first time they are being used at Humboldt State. Chief Information Officer of Information Technology Services, Anna Kircher said that the initiative to provide this technology to Humboldt State faculty originally came from former Provost Rick Vrem.

Professor Ann Paulet started using clickers in her History classes this semester. Clickers seemed an ideal answer to the difficulties she faced when her class size increased from 45 to 75 students. Paulet was concerned that there would not be enough discussion and interaction with such a large group of students.

Paulet thinks the clickers are working really well. "It gives instant feedback in a fun format, like a game show." Paulet integrates clicker responses in her Power Point presentations. The class then receives instant feedback on what percentage of the group got the answer right.

According to Turning Point, the manufactures of the clickers currently being tested, instructors can adjust their Power Point presentations during lectures depending on classroom responses. This active learning engages students in the lecture materials.

Students in the history classes seem to have mixed feelings about the clickers.

One drawback for students is the price. Ariana Madappa, a junior ethnic studies major, did not mind trying it out, but was overwhelmed at the cost students have to pay to use them.

Craig Valentine, an undeclared freshman, confirmed that the price affects his opinion of the clickers. "They cost $50, so that is kind of a downer."

Students purchased clickers at the bookstore, where they may be able to sell them back at the end of the semester for $25. If Humboldt State decides not to continue using these particular clickers, students may not be able to sell them back.

The official pilot project using clickers will begin next semester. Six professors will test two types of clickers in their classrooms to determine which type Humboldt State will use campus wide.

Phil Hooker, smart classrooms coordinator, said he thinks the clickers are pretty cool if used in the right way. Several CSUs are already incorporating the devices on their campuses.

The biggest concern with choosing which device to use at Humboldt State is accessories for ADA compliance. Hooker said Humboldt will not consider any devices that do not have these options.

If the pilot program works out, clickers may be used in more classes on campus. Kircher thinks that one-day students may be using the same clicker for different classes during all their years at Humboldt State.

Elizabeth Perez, a senior art studio major, likes the ability for the class to see instant results, but she could not participate for the first few classes. Perez couldn't afford to get a clicker until the fourth week of school because of financial reasons.

Madappa said the clickers make class attendance a requirement. Attendance for Paulet's history class is taken by student response using the clickers. Students receive one point for answering the questions and two more points for a correct answer.

Paulet likes that the clickers help her figure out who is or isn't there without the time consuming task of taking attendance.

Jennifer Martinez, pre-nursing, likes the device because it makes the class interesting, but she admits it is hard to keep track of her device. Currently Martinez is saving to buy a new clicker; she broke her device last week during a bicycle accident.

Hooker said he has heard of another student who has already lost their clicker. He advised students to treat their clickers like a book or other school supplies. "If you are expected to take notes, you have to bring your pencil."

Colleen Roberts can be contacted at cr45@humboldt.edu

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