Resources

Personal Response Systems (Classroom Clickers)

Personal Response Systems (classroom clickers) are handheld keypad devices that are much like a simplified television remote control. Students use clickers to respond to questions the instructor presents to the class using a PowerPoint presentation. Student responses are collected and collated automatically through hardware and software that is installed on the Smart Classroom Instructor workstation. After the lesson is presented, the professor can use the PRS software to easily generate a variety of reports that will help gauge student comprehension of the material.

The Interwrite Personal Response System is the clicker system standard for Kutztown University. You are not precluded from using another vendor's clicker system in your classroom, but using the recommended system ensures that training and support will be available from KU's Smart Classroom technicians, Learning Technologies Center staff, and the KU Bookstore.

If you are interested in seeing a demonstration of a classroom clicker system please meet with the Learning Technologies Center Coordinator (Will Jefferson, 610-683-4757) who will arrange a demonstration. If you wish to adopt clickers for use in your instruction, the following should be accomplished prior to the start of the semester:

Notify Barb Peterka, the Bookstore Manager, at 610-683-1342 that you will be requiring students to purchase a clicker in addition to any required textbook(s) for your class. Clickers are NOT supplied by the university. Student must purchase these devices. Therefore, it is important to notify the bookstore so they can pre-order enough clickers for your students. The bookstore sells new and used clickers and also serves as an exchange point for defective clickers should one fail during its warranty period. To access the bookstore website, please click here.

Contact Michael Harbach, Smart Classroom Support Specialist, at 484-646-4230. Michael will ensure that the clicker hardware and software is installed in your office and in your classrooms.

Contact Will Jefferson, Learning Technologies Center Coordinator, at 610-683-4757. Will can show you how to create "Clicker Friendly" PowerPoint presentations for use in the classroom. Click here to access the Learning Technologies Center Clicker Quick Start Guide.

Ensure that your syllabus specifies that students must obtain a clicker for your class. While the clickers are not expensive compared to the cost of most textbooks, students may be reluctant to purchase a clicker if this requirement is not specified in your syllabus.

Clicker Best Practice Websites:

Ohio State University - "Clickers in Practice"
University of California - "Best Practices"
University of Wisconsin - "Student Response Systems"