What is iClicker?
At UVM, the supported student response system is iClicker. iClicker allows instructors to engage students during class through interactive polling, quizzes, and attendance tracking. Students can participate using a physical iClicker remote, a mobile device app, or a web browser, and instructors can use the system to gauge student understanding, foster discussion, and enhance active learning.
iClickers support several teaching goals, e.g. checking for understanding, encouraging participation, and guiding you adjust your teaching based on students’ responses. Other uses are:
- Encouraging peer discussion
Have students answer individually, discuss their reasoning with a partner or small group, and then vote again. - Activatinig prior knowledge
Start class with a question that asks students to recall or apply something from a previous class. - Using prediction questions
Ask students to predict an outcome before demonstrating a process, solving a problem, or revealing an answer. - Breaking up lecture
Use periodic iClicker questions to create natural pauses for students to process and apply what they’re learning. - Using low-stakes practice
Focus on learning and feedback rather than making every question graded. - Give feedback after polling
Discuss why the correct answer is correct and, when useful, why the other choices are less appropriate.
Whatever your goals, let your students know that your iClicker questions are designed to help them learn, practice, and receive feedback, not just to record attendance.