PRESENTED TO: ISW FACILITATOR’S CONFERENCE JUNE, 2009 PRESENTED BY: MARIE KRBAVAC MARJORIE CONTENTI SAIT POLYTECHNIC Using Technology to Enhance ISW Delivery

Learning Objectives As a result of this session, participants will be able to:  Use clickers, as a student, in a classroom setting  Assess the possibilities of using clickers in ISW delivery

Known by Many Names: Clickers, AKA

Benefits and Drawbacks of Using Clickers in ISW Discuss in smaller groups: How could clickers be used to enhance ISW delivery? Think of the sessions in ISW, including Ice Breakers, ISW History, Instructional Techniques, BOPPPS, Learning Objectives, Giving Effective Feedback, Mini Lesson Cycle, Learning Styles, Classroom Management, other sessions in your ISW’s? List several potential benefits and drawbacks Report to the large group

Reasons for Using Clickers Support active learning Promote student-student discussion Provide the instructor with feedback about student learning Provide students with feedback about their own understanding Formative assessment tool that can guide teaching

Reasons for Using Clickers (continued) Give students a voice Facilitate student accountability Model the process of critical thinking Get students to commit to an answer Send a message that the instructor’s priority is student learning

Benefits of Clickers Useful in sustaining attention and breaking up lectures May help to turn recall into application Students become more visibly active participants and are more likely to ask and answer questions Increased awareness of the diversity of ideas and understanding within the classroom Liven up a classroom - Instructors report less sleeping, more discussion, and improved alertness during the class. Increased attendance particularly when performance on ARS questions is linked to grades Efficient way to hold all students accountable for pre- class preparation

Instructional Changes – less lecture, more active learning Perceived improvements in student comprehension Increased instructor awareness of student difficulties Instructor can instantly assess whether the pace of the course is appropriate Avoid unnecessary repetition of coverage Consider evaluating the purpose and goals of lecture within the course.

Summary Clickers can be a useful method of increasing participation and possibly retention Using them requires thoughtful examination of learning objectives, and time to design the lesson and format the material in the software

References Caldwell, J. (2007). Clickers in the Large Classroom: Current Research and Best-Practice tips. CBE Life Sciences Education. Volume 6 (Spring 2007). An instructor’s guide to the effective use of personal response systems (“clickers”) in teaching. SEI_04-08.pdf SEI_04-08.pdf 7 things you should know about clickers.