iClicker

Smart classrooms are the newest brand of higher educational technology. They provide electronic access to the materials right on the spot. Among the technology that can be found in a typical smart classroom, the “clicker” isn’t far down the list.
The clicker is an electronic device used to gather responses and give instant feedback. Students will receive a clicker that will enable them to vote by clicking on one of several choices. Teachers will have a receiver that can record the student’s choices. Each clicker is compact and portable. The receiver is also light weight and portable, and can be run through a USB port.

The clicker is available in many schools, like the University of Denver. At DU, students are expected to bring their clicker to certain classes in order to vote on content, participate in class discussions, and on occasion the clicker can be used to test. The clicker sends the receiver a digital signal from the student, and the receiver records the student-specific data that can be added to cumulative graphs of class results and/or stored later for individual grading.

This type of response system for students can dramatically impact the way the teacher and the students interact. This offers a more hands-on and involving method of teaching. The best part is that it is instant data and completely private. Students are more attentive to course material, and teachers have an easier way of grading. This type of system can also be helpful for conferences or seminars to poll an audience on any type of information.