Technology Just Keeps "Clicking" On
by Marty Strait
September 08, 2009
Clickers are not just old fashioned noise makers; technology has given them an entirely new function. Clickers, a new tool for PLMS students, provide feedback to instructors during lessons. Each student uses a clicker to respond to group discussion questions or to answer questions on a more formal quiz.
As the time for submitting answers closes, a bar graph shows the overall class responses to the question.
One of the advantages of using clickers during instruction is that the teacher can immediately see if the class understands the concept. While viewing the screen projection of the instructor’s computer, answers are recorded at the bottom of the screen. Students enjoy the comfort of answering questions privately, without any peer pressure. The answers are recorded and linked to the student name and serial number, so the instructor may later look up an individual’s progress or view class results as a whole.
Questions may be very informal and just spot checks for specific information, or they may be used for quizzes or tests. Once tests are created in PowerPoint, they will be available for students to use as make up or for review sessions.Technology continues to bring us new and exciting ways to present content to our students.
