Clicker systems allow for interactive learning and participation. They provide immediate feedback from all students to the instructor and class. This technology helps achieve higher levels of student-instructor interaction in a large lecture environment, where participation is traditionally difficult to achieve.

The current standard for the UW is the Turning Technologies' TurningPoint and TurningPoint AnyWhere audience response software. TurningPoint is based in PowerPoint and suitable for PC users. TurningPoint AnyWhere is a free floating program usable by both Mac and PC users.

The components instructors need to incorporate clickers into their curriculum include:
1) the software used to prepare the clicker questions available for free download at http://www.turningtechnologies.com/responsesystemsupport/downloads/.
2) the USB receiver to plug into the presentation computer. Receivers are available through Classroom Support Services at no charge.
3) individual student response cards. Students can purchase clickers in the textbook section of the University Bookstore. Instructors should include clickers on their textbook orders.

CSS has a limited number of USB Receiver and student response pads available to faculty to try out clickers before they make the decision to use clickers in their courses. Instructors who would like to use Audience Response Systems in the classroom can contact our help desk to find out more information.

CSS Help Desk Contact Info:
Email: classrm@u
Phone: 206.543.9900
Web: CSS Help Desk

CSS Resources:

• Clicker FAQ

UW Articles:

• Interactive Technologies at the University of Washington
• CIDR Teaching and Learning Bulletin
• Prescribed Active Learning Increases Performance in Introductory Biology
• Clickers in the Large Classroom: Current Research and Best-Practice Tips
• Assessment of the Effects of Student Response Systems on Student Learning and Attitudes over a Broad Range of Biology Courses

Other links:

• Clickers in the Classroom: An Active Learning Approach