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Teaching and Learning

Personal Response Systems (Clickers)

Description

A Personal Response System (PRS) consists of:

  • a set of remote control units ("clickers") that students use to respond to questions posed by the instructor
  • a receiver plugged into the classroom computer (or instructor's laptop) that picks up the students' answers
  • software that is used to create multiple choice questions, and tabulate and display student responses

Clickers can be used to support a wide variety of teaching activities. In a science course, for example, the instructor might give a mini-lecture on a new or difficult concept, followed by some questions to test if students understand the new concept, and discussion to address misconceptions or barriers. To facilitate discussion on a difficult topic, a sociology instructor might poll students to reveal their assumptions about a particular population. In business ethics, the instructor might pose a theoretical dilemma, and ask the students to respond anonymously as to how they would act in that situation.

Because the software can be used to prepare questions before class, or to create them on the fly, clicker use can be spontaneous or carefully planned ahead, or both.

Who can use this service

  • York faculty and instructors
  • Students

Service Details

Options

  • Instructors that are not ready to fully integrate clickers into their curriculum may try the technology in their classroom by completing a request to use our demonstration set of clickers. More information is available here.

Charges

  • There are no charges associated with this service for instructors.
  • Students may purchase a clicker for $50 (new) or $35 (used, based on availability).

How to request / access this service

  • Instructors should complete the request form.
  • Information for student purchase of clickers is available here.

Support

How to get support

  • Please contact UIT Client Services at ithelp@yorku.ca or by calling ext. 55800.

Training

  • Various training options are outlined here.

Online Help

  • For additional information, documentation and resources, click here

Tips/Best Practices

Frequently Asked Questions

Details pertinent to the use and benefits of Clickers are available by accessing the following links: