Clicker Madness

Many new students may have heard some of the older students grumbling about the new clicker system, but have no idea what they are talking about. What exactly is a clicker system? And why are students complaining? That is what we’re here to find out.

The clicker system itself is easy to figure out. Some classes, specifically the larger lecture classes use a CPS, Classroom Performance System, remote to aid in the student’s education. The students can buy the remotes with their textbooks, and register them for specific classes on the E-learning website. The teachers then put in specific slides into their power point presentations in class that has review questions about that days lecture. The students answer these questions using the CPS remote. The information is also stored, which can help the teacher see who all is coming to class, and who all is paying attention in class. This causes students to actively participate in the lectures, instead of allowing them to text, read the newspaper, sleep in class, or not even show up.

Though this system sounds like a great system for large classes, there is a fair share of problems. Last year a similar system was used but, this year the school is changing the old system for a new one. While this is not a problem for the freshman students, many of the older students complain that having to buy a new system has left them holding the short end of the stick. This can easily be balanced out by the fact that registering the new devices to their classes is now free, as opposed to the old system requiring fairly expensive registration fees.
Registering the new remotes has also caused quite a bit of confusion. To register the old remotes, one has to buy a registration number. To register the new remotes, one only needs to use the Device ID found on the clicker. Another problem is the location of the ID has baffled many students. The ID is located on the back of the remote, hidden amongst the bare code number and other text.

Many other students, such as Marcy Davis, a freshman at the University of Alabama, get confused when their clicker goes into hibernation mode after long periods of non-use. Many of them fear it has turned off without warning. All one has to do to make the remote exit hibernation mode is push a button. Much like jiggling the mouse when a computer screen goes blank.Another problem faces the professors using the system. Many professors are having a difficult time getting the software to work on their computers.
A problem in one case is that Mac computers now run Microsoft 2008 software, whereas the CPS technology requires Microsoft 2004 software.

In order to make the transition smoother, the Faculty Resource Center runs each new addition to the system through a test system. The Faculty Resource Center has also hired students to help teach the new clicker system to students. These students will attend workshops and look through problems as well as go to classrooms to help teachers and students register the clickers in the classrooms. While in the classrooms, the student helpers will answer questions face to face and show the professors, as well as students, how to fix any problems they may be facing. These student helpers will be working all semester to work along side the Faculty Resource Center.