Getting Started with Clickers at UCSB

Getting Started with clickers at UCSB

Want to start using i<clickers in your classes?  Here's how:

1. Place an order with the UCen bookstore for the appropriate number of student handsets for your class.  A single i<clicker handset will cost students $37.00 (tax incl.) (October 2009).

2. To order your base station and instructor's kit, and for technical/logistical information on using clickers in lecture halls and classrooms at UCSB, please contact J.O. Davis, Classroom Services Manager, cell: 805 448-8677.  NOTE: Some classrooms have “fixed frequency.” J.O. Davis will provide more information if your classroom falls into this category.

3. Once you have your instructor's i<clicker set (base station, i<clicker USB drive, software, and your instructor handsets), you will need to install the software on your computer and/or laptop.  Follow the Quick Start Guides that come with your i<clicker kit.

Complete User guides, free downloads of the i>clicker software and documentation are available at www.iclicker.com as well as on the flash drive that accompanies each instructor's kit.

You can run the software from either the flash drive, or the computer hard drive.  Be sure that you know where the data is being stored, and back it up regularly.

4. Arrange a time to go to the classroom in which you will be using the clickers and do a test run before the actual lecture.

5. Synchronizing your students' remotes with your class roster:
Students do not have to register their clickers to participate in class polling, but when students register their remote ID number with their UCSB perm number (via the iclicker.com website), you can keep records of individual participation, and assign credit for participation and/or correct answers.  Students will also need to be registered if you intend uploading students' scores into the GauchoSpace Gradebook. See the attached file at the bottom of this screen for how to complete the synchronization process in 3 Steps.

6.  Consider creative ways to use the clikers to support your learning goals.  See "10 ways UCSB Instructors are using Clickers" (attachment at bottom of page).   Instructors using the clickers receive occasional brown bag invitations and notices from our UCSB user-group for  i<clicker instructors. To become part of the online discussion forum group, join the GauchoSpace site, "Instruction for Changing Times."  You will need your UCSB net ID and password to enter the site (same as you use for e-grades).  For more information, contact Lisa Berry x 8395  lisa@id.ucsb.edu

Searching for some i<clicker teaching ideas and pedagogical advice?
Contact Lisa Berry x 8395  lisa@id.ucsb.edu in the Office of Instructional Consultation.

Having technical difficulties (with setup, registration or synchronization)?   Contact Justin Lipp (jwlipp@collaborate.ucsb.edu)